Four heritage stations on the outskirts of Bengaluru — Doddajala, Devanahalli, Avathihalli and Nandi — will be restored to their former glory by the end of next year. South Western Railways (SWR), which has undertaken the restoration project, has already started work at Doddajala station at an estimated cost of ₹39 lakh. In February, the Bengaluru Division of SWR had signed an agreement with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) to restore the station. As part of the restoration work, granite slab stones will be reset and walls replastered. Stone masonry will also be redone. SWR has proposed that a new entrance to the station be constructed on the east side to provide better access to the station from the main road (toll free road) that connects to Kempegowda International Airport. Plans also include the construction of a planter box cum retaining wall with landscaping on the southern side, and new ticketing room. Hardscaping in stone has been proposed along the north, east and western stretches of the structure, said officials. The eastern exterior wall of the structure will have panels narrating the context, history and significance of the structure and its heritage, while informal seating spaces will be provided around the existing tree in the form of ‘katte’ (stone seating).

All four stations were built on the Bengaluru-Chickballapur light railway (narrow gauge - 62 km) which became operational in August 1915.“The next station where work will be taken up will be Avathihalli. SWR has planned to complete restoration works of all the four stations within a year. INTACH is sourcing funds through CSR initiatives. Restoration work will also involve landscape developments around these structures,” said Chief PRO of the SWR Aneesh Hegde. There is a proposal to develop an ‘Interpretation Centre’ for monuments and history and a café or snack counter at Devanahalli. At Avathihalli station, SWR hopes to build a Silk Museum and Resource Centre along with a park. The popular Nandi halt station will have a rail museum, a cafe and restaurant, a cultural performance centre, pop-up weekend crafts markets and an amphitheatre, among other facilities. No sign of resuming train services to KIA Nearly six months have passed since SWR halted train services to KIA, but there is no indication that they will be resumed. In April, SWR ‘temporarily stopped’ services citing poor patronage. In an attempt to increase ridership, it worked with BIAL to reschedule train timings. Due to non-operation of trains, the new halt station near the KIA boundary remains unused. The Railways resumed services in a phased manner, prioritising routes that had high patronage. On this particular route, ridership was never promising. “Nothing has been decided yet on re-introducing services to the airport,” said an SWR official. Meanwhile, SWR is also buying more time to complete electrification of the line which will help run MEMU trains in the future. It had set August as the deadline to complete the electrification till Devanahalli. The project deadline was pushed back due to delays in shifting KPTCL utilities. Electrification work till Devenahalli is likely to be completed by November.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/restoration-of-doddajala-station-under-way/article37014725.ece, October 16, 2021

Over a dozen ring wells have so far been found in Keeladi and Agaram, another habitation site. A ring well incised with the decorated fish symbol has been unearthed during the seventh phase of the archaeological excavation in Keeladi near Madurai, in yet another evidence that the site belonged to the Sangam Age. The fish symbol, which is an integral part of the flag believed to have been used by the mighty Pandiyan Kingdom, was found incised on a ring well that looked like a design. Tamil Nadu Minister for Tamil Culture and Archaeology Thangam Thennarasu took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to share a picture of the ring well. “Decorated Fish Symbol found in one of the ring wells for the first time in Keeladi excavations. Ever-fascinating Keeladi,” Thennarasu tweeted after inspecting the site at Keeladi. The seventh phase of excavations in Keeladi ended on September 30 during which over 5,000 artefacts have been found.

Over a dozen ring wells have so far been found in Keeladi and Agaram, another habitation site, demonstrating the water conservation technology used by Tamil over 2,000 years ago. Carbon dating of artefacts found in the fourth phase of excavations in Keeladi found they were at least 2,600 years old, pushing the Sangam Era further back by 300 years. “After the necessary touch-up and cleaning, we found the fish symbol incised on the ring well. This is the first time that we have found fish symbol on a ring well in Keeladi. It looks like they have used a nail to draw the fish symbol,” a source in the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) told DH. Archaeologists said the decorated fish symbol is yet another evidence to conclude that Keeladi is a Sangam Era site. Several artefacts found during Keeladi excavations have thrown enough evidence to suggest that the site belonged to the Sangam Era. Archaeological findings in Keeladi and Sivagalai in Thoothukudi district have created a buzz with researchers and archaeologists in Tamil Nadu calling them significant as they “narrow down” the gap between the Tamil urban settlements and the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC). However, they say “more evidence” should be forthcoming.

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/sangam-age-fish-symbol-incised-on-ring-well-found-in-keeladi-1042119.html, October 18, 2021

The excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Vadnagar, PM Narendra Modi’s hometown, since 2015 have unearthed the ancient town and, overall, the region’s Buddhist past. The finds include multiple votive stupas, relics, artifacts, and structures. Experts said that along with the nearby Taranga hills, the region gives a snapshot of about 1,400 years of Buddhism. The major finds from the excavations by the state archaeology department in the 2000’s and later excavations by the ASI at Vadnagar and Taranga are on display at the three-day international Buddhist symposium at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. The symposium will be inaugurated by PM Modi on Wednesday, Buddha Purnima. The exhibition has a special section on Vadnagar and Taranga, said an expert associated with the project. “The new finds give a sequence of events of Buddhism’s course in the region.

Experts said that the earliest finds in Vadnagar — built structures and artifacts — date back to about 1st century CE. The presence of Buddhist artifacts is found up to 7th century CE after which it thins out. “But we should see Taranga as a possible continuation of the Buddhist traditions,” said the expert. “Because at nearly the same period (7th century CE), the hills were made the abode of Buddhist monks, which continued up to the 14th century.” Apart from an idol of Bodhisattva and terracotta head of Lord Buddha, several artifacts including sealings connect the sites with other important Buddhism spots of India, experts said. For example, the elliptical structure near grains storage resonates with Rajgir and Shravasti structures. At Taranga, the ASI experts have found terraced system along with retaining wall to create religious structures. A stupa with circumambulatory path was found on Dhagolia hill. Also discovered was a rectangular structure, probably a prayer hall, with two stupas near Taran Dharan Mata temple. In all, about 40 votive stupas have been found from the hills.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/fake-notes-hc-questions-nias-witness-surge/articleshow/87144380.cms, October 20, 2021

The Tamil Nadu government is reaching out to Oceanographers of repute to assist the government in the archaeological excavation process at Korkai, the ancient port city of the Pandyan empire. In a statement on Tuesday, the state minister for Industries, Tamil Culture, and archaeology, Thangam Tenarasu said that several artefacts were recovered from the ancient port city of Korkai showing its maritime connect with Rome, China, and Egypt. The minister said that excavations in Korkai with guidance from oceanographic experts are necessary to prove the town’s age and its rich heritage and culture as well as the trade relations it has had with foreign countries.

Thangam Thenarasu in the statement also said that the earlier excavations from the Pandyan port town has proved beyond doubt the maritime connections it has had with other countries and that a scientific excavation with the able guidance of expert oceanographers would open new vistas on the town and its maritime history. He said that several remains unearthed from the site including drainage pipes remains of old houses, baked tiles, conch bangles, iron coins, and pots, prove that it has had a rich heritage and culture even in 785 BCE. The minister also said that the materials unearthed from Korkai during excavations would be on display at the Porunai (Thamaribarani) museum coming up in Tirunelveli. He also said that the government is also considering the creation of an onsite museum at Korkai. The minister in the statement said that the department is also in the process of preparing an integrated document on Sivakalai, Korkai, and Adichanallur civilisations. (IANS).

https://indianewengland.com/2021/10/tn-ancient-pandyan-port-of-korkai-to-be-excavated/, October 20, 2021

Ancient rock art has been found in a cave at Thumminayakkanpatti near Peraiyur in Madurai district, according to archaeology enthusiasts who stumbled upon it. C Manickraj, assistant professor of history, CPA college, Bodinayakanur, accompanied by a friend K Karuppaiah and rock art expert Bala Bharathi from Trichy had visited the cave in a hillock in Thumminayakanpatti when they came across the paintings. Bharathi said that the anthropic pictographs and animal figurines had been made using herbs and gum. “White and red paintings are common as opposed to the black art found inside this cave,” he said. Manickraj said that the black art showed a line drawing of a man sitting on an animal and another person standing opposite him. This may be the depiction of a war scene, he said. The white drawings are younger when compared to the black drawing from the layering nature of the rock. The white figurines are seen in different postures. There is one figure with both its hands and legs spread out and another has both its hands on its hips, he said. There are figures of animals which look like tigers. The flat nature of these figures makes them look like they were drawn using human fingers, said Manickraj, adding that these coloured drawings could have been made using the soil, some kind of yam or even human blood mixed with it. Bala Bharathi said it is important that such ancient drawings are documented as the cave located near a temple had already been vandalised by the local people which resulted in the destruction of many paintings.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/ancient-rock-art-found-inside-cave/articleshow/87193487.cms, October 22, 2021

After long deliberations and discussions, the villagers of Modukuru have consented not to go for reconstruction of a historical Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple. The villagers have also agreed to take support from the technical teams from Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach). The villagers, who initially wanted to bulldoze the 900-year old temple to build a new temple, have finally relented after a team from Intach visited the village on Sunday and held discussions. The team comprising Intact district convenor SVS Lakshminarayana, heritage conservationist Srinath Reddy Pamulapati, Red Cross vice-chairman P Ramachandra Raju and Ravi Srinivas held discussions with the villagers and explained to them of the need to protect such precious heritage structures. Sri Veerabhadra Swamy constructed in 12th century AD in Chalukya-Chola architecture. With structures in the neighbouring areas to the temple coming up with higher elevation, the temple went below the earth level. This resulted in rainwaters from surrounding areas flowing into the temple. After seeing the pathetic condition of the temple, the locals decided to rebuild a new temple in modern temple style by completely demolishing the present temple. They have also started pooling up monies as an architect consulted by the villagers put the reconstruction cost at Rs.50 lakh. With several rich farmers coming forward to take the burden to reconstruct the temple, the locals started preparations to bulldoze the old temple. Upon information, Intact member Srinath Reddy, who is also native of Modukuru, rushed to the village and consulted the temple committee.

Although he made his best efforts to convince the local elders that bulldozing the 900 year old was a big loss to the culture and heritage, the villagers did not relent saying that they could not watch the Lord drowning in the rain waters. They explained that the temple getting submerged in the rainwaters would not do good to the village. Taking the issue with a serious note, Intact district convenor SVS Lakshminarayana spoke with the Intach chairman and explained to him the entire issue. “Intach chairman Gupta has assured to depute a technical team comprising architects and archaeologists to assess the situation and suggest a scientific plan to renovate the temple,” said SVS Lakshminarayana. He said that they have also consulted the endowments commissioner to stop any hasty decisions by the locals and protect the heritage structure. “We can go for the uplift of temple in Archaeological restoration methods through which several monuments were restored. The villagers have agreed to our team’s suggestions and protect the heritage structure,” said SVS Lakshminarayana. He said that they wanted to protect the temple as well as heritage.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/andhra-pradesh-villagers-relented-to-protect-900-year-old-historical-structure-after-intach-intervention/articleshow/87240773.cms, October 24, 2021

The General Conference of UNESCO in 2005 marked 27th October as the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. 27th October is marked as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2005. It was devised to sensitize the need to conserve and safeguard valuable audiovisual resources for future generations. It also highlights the urgency to preserve this heritage while making it accessible to the public. This year the theme of World Day for Audiovisual Heritage is ‘Your Window to the World.’ India has many museums working in this regard. One can visit them and be a part of the bygone eras by listening to audiovisual representations of history and heritage. Celebrate World Day for Audiovisual Heritage by visiting these five museums in India.

Jaisalmer War Museum

To honor the sacrifices and contributions of Indian war heroes and pay homage to their valor, the Jaisalmer War Museum came into existence. It is located 10 km from Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway near the Military Station. This unique museum has two expansive information exhibit halls, an audiovisual room, war trophies, vintage equipment, tanks, and military vehicles. Its immersive ‘Light and Sound Show’ using advanced audiovisual technology invokes patriotism by listening to the chronicles of bravery, pride, and magnificent heritage of the Indian Armed Forces. One must experience its audiovisual theatre that screens movies on the historic Battle of Laungewala.

NFAI

Located in Pune, the National Film Archive of India, or NFAI, is one of the country’s most extensive film preservation and conservation repositories. It has several vaults of international standard storing lakhs of film reels. In 1983, it started its Oral History Project, recording the interviews only on audio cassettes. In 2008, by roping in technology, it converted this project into the Audio-Visual History Project. On the 151st birth anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian Cinema, it published a treasure of audio recordings of about 8,000 minutes of interviews of veteran film artists on its website, and it is open to the public.

The Partition Museum

This unique museum is in Amritsar and gives the visitors a goosebumps experience through its AV collection. It has thousands of oral stories, to be precise, histories of the generation who lived through the partition of the country. The Partition Museum also has archival footage of the trains, kafilas, and camps during the separation. Its oldest AV material is footage from the freedom struggle around 1920, covering the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat movements.

National Gandhi Museum

National Gandhi Museum, or NGM, is in the national capital. It is one of the fascinating museums in the country, which often gives the visitor unexpected and surprising experiences. For example, if you feel that Gandhi Ji’s visit to Lancashire in 1931 upset the textile mill workers, you would be shocked to know the truth. The Indian National Congress called for boycotting British goods leading to the shutdown of textile mills. But there is a video clip showing how the Father of the Nation was applauded and welcomed by the textile mill workers. Besides this, NGM possesses 100 hours of recordings associated with Gandhi. One can find the 1941’s documentary by AK Chettiar – Mahatma Gandhi – 20th Century Prophet.

National Gallery of Modern Art

Also known as NGMA, Delhi has been a favorite place among patrons. In May this year, it launched a first-of-its-kind audio-visual guide app letting the museum viewers listen to tales and anecdotes on their smartphones of diverse valued Indian Modern artworks exhibited at the museum from anywhere. As a history and heritage and art enthusiast, you may download the app and browse the content following the mentioned numbers. The NGMA app is free for the users and gives a virtual tour of the museum, consolidating a great blend of AV content such as photographs, videos, and audio. An elaborate textual representation in a storytelling mode narrates the idea behind the artwork and the artist’s techniques to create it, along with anecdotes about their life.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/top-5-museums-to-visit-in-india-on-world-day-for-audiovisual-heritage-101635165042391.html, October 25, 2021

District administration Samba, in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism, today organized a 'Heritage Walk' at the historical Purmandal-Utterbeni Tourism sector with the participation of students, locals and PRI members.The heritage walk, organised under the aegis of Iconic Week Festival, also included recreational activities for students including painting sessions, tree plantation, audio depiction of historical Purmandal-Utterbeni temples (story telling) besides imparting knowledge about yogic practices and Vedic hymns.The chief guest of the programme, District Development Council Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma flagged off the heritage walk from the bus stand Purmandal in presence of DDC member Purmandal Avtar Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Anuradha Gupta, besides other DDC members, local sarpanch and prominent persons.The heritage walk culminated at Utterbehni where the participating students were presented certificates and mementoes. The event was actively carried out by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH Jammu Chapter) under supervision of SM Sahni convenor INTACH and Arvind Kotwal member INTACH.

https://www.5dariyanews.com/news/346661-Heritage-walk-organised-under-Iconic-Week-Festival-at-Samba, October 27, 2021

Odisha’s incredible wildlife wealth needs to be preserved for the future so that our children become true inheritors of this state’s natural heritage. Odisha is a paradise for wildlife! The Olive Ridley sea turtles which arrive every year to breed on the coast have put the state on the international wildlife map. Many of my wildlife friends envy me since this is the only state in India and the second place in the world where this unique event occurs. Turtle lovers across the world eagerly await this wonderful natural event when thousands of turtles congregate in coastal waters from October onwards. The best known site is Gahirmatha marine Sanctuary. Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river mouth are the two other spots where mass nesting takes place. The sea turtles are Odisha’s unique natural heritage and we are proud that nature has bestowed this privilege on us. Mass nesting is one of nature’s rare events and I have been lucky to see this many times. Words fail to describe the wonderful sight of thousands of turtles heaving themselves up on the silvery beach to dig pits in the soft sand to lay their eggs. Like some self programmed toys, they follow one after the other and soon the entire beach is full of turtles without even space for putting your foot. The next event is the hatching of the baby turtles which is a synchronized happening as thousands of nests hatch approximately during a period of 3- 4 days. In the evening, the little ones clamber outside the nest and race towards the sea. They have to go fast since hungry predators lurk to devour them if they expose themselves too much. However, all is not well with the Ridleys of Odisha. Thousands die every year due to illegal fishing by trawlers in prohibited turtle congregation zones. Since the last 20 years, at least 1,80,000 dead turtles have been counted on the beaches of the state. Even now at least 5,000 to 6,000 turtles perish every season which is a shame! I hope the government works harder to arrest these annual turtle deaths. The breeding adult population is dying and if this is not checked there will be a sudden population crash after 5-7 years. Olive Ridleys have an extremely poor survival rate since only 1 out of every 1000 eggs laid hatches and grows up into an adult turtle and therefore protection of the breeding population is critical. Let us not forget that the state is also home to many other species of wildlife thanks to the wide diversity of natural habitats which we have. To protect this invaluable wildlife wealth, the state government has declared 22 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.

The latest wildlife Sanctuary to be notified was Kapilash WLS in 2012 covering a small area of 125 sq kms in Dhenkanal district. The keystone species in this Sanctuary is the Indian Giant Squirrel which is a lovely creature to behold at Kapilash Temple area. These cute squirrels have a beautiful maroon coat and are truly a delightful sight as they frolic on tree tops, jumping from branch to branch! The world famous Bhitarkanika mangroves forests are home to some of the world’s largest crocodiles. The salt water crocodiles are found here in large numbers and the latest estimate puts them at 1,600 odd. However, more than half are juveniles who may not survive when they grow up. Beware of the salties! During nesting they can be quite nasty. The cold season is the best time to sight them. Take a country boat and enter the narrow creeks of Bhitarkanika and you will find these lovable giants lounging on the mud banks basking in the winter sun. We have the record of largest crocodile in the world having lived in Bhitarkanika which was shot by the erstwhile king of Kanika. Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish water lake spread across 900 sq kms approximately. Bird watching is an unforgettable experience which no one should miss. Just hire a boat and sail to Nalabana, the bird paradise which will transport you to another world. The only sound reflected over the tranquil waters of the lake is the joyful twitter of waterfowl as they bask in the pale morning sun. You shall be bedazzled by their myriad colours as they dive and feed in the lake waters.

Chilika hosts nearly a million migratory waterfowl every year. They belong to nearly 260 species. However, the lake is also world famous for another rare creature, the Irrawady dolphins. This endangered creature with a total estimated population of about 150 is easily sighted in this lake. Irrawady Dolphins are small dolphins found in river mouth and near shore sea waters. These dolphins stay in small family groups and love to gambol in the lake waters. They are quite friendly and sometimes come close to the boats. It is a wonderful sight to see the watchful mother closely guarding her calf and teaching her how to catch the lake fish. Songkhla Lake in Thailand is the only other place in the world which has a lake population of dolphins. No wonder, many foreign cetacean researchers and lovers are attracted to this lake. However, the rampant growth of dolphin tourism, use of new types of fishing nets, proliferation of shrimp farms is now threatening this population. As you travel inland in the forested hills and valleys you will encounter a wide variety of forest animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, sambhar, deer, etc. The state has nearly 1,960 elephants and at least 25 tigers. Unfortunately, tigers are sharply declining in numbers in the state. It is a matter of time before we shall see them disappear as populations fall below unviable numbers! Satkosia Tiger Reserve used to have about twelve tigers when it was notified in 2007 but now the population has crashed to one. Satkosia has a good elephant population and is part of a bigger forest area stretching from Badamba-Narsinghpur to Rairakhol forests. This huge area of more than 5,000 sq kms enables the wildlife to migrate and spill over thereby providing them a big natural habitat for feeding and breeding. The river Mahanadi courses through the deep Satkosia Gorge.

Never miss a boat ride in the Mahanadi. It is a mind boggling experience floating down this 22 kms stretch of Mahandi from Binka to Kamaladiha! The steep hill slopes dip into the river on both sides and you are shadowed by the high hills as you sail down the tranquil waters of Mahanadi. Both species of crocodiles i.e., the gharial and the mugger are sighted here though the gharials are very small in number. You can also sight river turtles basking on the banks of the river. Short sighted harmful tourism ventures have been unfortunately promoted by the forest department. They have set up a tourist resort on the Mahanadi river bed near Badmul which is illegal since they disturb endangered wildlife such as crocodiles and turtles which use the sand banks for basking and nesting. Besides, wastes would invariably pollute the crystal clear waters of Mahanadi river. I wonder how guardians of wildlife can think of such imbecilic projects! Simlipal Tiger Reserve is spread over nearly 2,800 sq kms in the district of Mayurbhanj. It has wonderful rest houses dating from the Mayurbhanj Maharaja’s time dotting the wide expanse of the park. Simlipal is a water rich area and you will be amazed by the huge number of streams which flow perennially in this area. There are wonderful water falls at Joranda and Barheipani. Simlipal is a treasure house of orchids and more than 90 varieties have been listed here. You will find a profusion of orchids flowering during spring and early summer. Their attractively coloured flowers look like precious jewels stuck high on the tree branches. Elephants are in abundance in this park. The count is nearly 500 though most tuskers are gone thanks to rampant poaching in the Tiger Reserve. In 2010, wildlife lovers were shocked to learn that at least 15 elephants had been killed inside the Park. Even now it is difficult to see mature tuskers in the Park which indicates the havoc wreaked by poachers because of lack of protection of these mammals.

Simlipal is a paradise for bird watchers since you find many forest species like crested tree swift, red spur fowl, black shouldered kite, crested serpent eagle, brown fish owl, and hill myna. In fact, the place is famous for hill myna and once upon a time, the forest department used to run a thriving business, catching the chicks from the tall sal trees and rearing them at Jashipur. They used to be exported in large numbers to foreign countries where a huge demand existed since the hill myna is a talking bird and can closely mimic human voice. I must warn visitors to Simlipal not to allow the tiger to lurk around every corner you drive through. Though the Park is well known for its tigers, their numbers have fallen drastically during the last decade and latest census by the Government of India reveals a population of around 20 currently down from 101 in 2006! Their prey base is under attack due to regular poaching and hence you will rarely see sambar or deer in the Park unless you watch a salt lick near the forest beats where the animals feel safe. Another wonderful place to visit in Odisha is Barbara forests near Balugaon. This place is about 150 kms from Bhubaneswar and was protected by the CRPF who have now left. It has a wonderful population of bison and sambhar which you can see when you drive to Mahisagoth or Rajin hill road. Birds like Indian pied hornbill, yellow billed blue magpie, fantail flycatchers are also found here. Three frogs new to science have been discovered here thanks to the untiring efforts of noted herpetologist Prof.

S.K. Dutta. I must mention with a blush that I was too a part of the survey team in 2001 when we surveyed the forest streams for new frog species! The blue green waters of Mahanadi river are a wonderful habitat for fresh water turtles which have disappeared from most rivers in India due to large scale poaching. One can see Chitra Indica, Gangeticus, Hurum species in this river. Some of the fresh water turtles can grow upto 70 kgs. Due to efforts of local communities, poaching is now controlled to a large extent and in fact at some locations close to Cuttack city the turtle population has recovered leading to an unwanted consequence! Turtles have started damaging the fishing nets and fishermen are now clamouring for compensation! The rolling grasslands and scrub forests of Bhetnoi–Balipadar in Ganjam district are famous for its herds of black buck whose population has jumped since the last one decade. Locals revere the animals and protect them even when they raid their crop fields. One can see black buck foraging quite close to the Aska-Buguda main road. The area has wonderful rocky outcrops which look quite attractive in the dry landscape. The place is about 170 kms from Bhubaneswar. This is a must visit spot for wildlife lovers and is a glaring example of how community support helps in growth of wildlife. The black bucks have now spread to other nearby areas and are seen even near Rambha and Khallikote. This is one huge success story of conservation for Odisha! Odisha’s incredible wildlife wealth needs to be preserved for the future so that our children become true inheritors of this state’s natural heritage. We should keep a careful and close watch on the state of our wildlife sanctuaries to ensure that its wildlife is safe and well protected. We should be conscientious about our treasure trove which needs to be constantly protected against foolish development projects that threaten their habitat and food. (This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. The author is a conservationist and a former member of the National Board for Wildlife. He can be reached at [email protected]).

https://odishatv.in/news/opinion/the-incredible-wildlife-of-odisha-162596, October 27, 2021

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Wednesday discovered the base of another temple on the premises of Suka-Sari temple in Old Town area of the city. The ASI is planning to excavate towards the north-eastern side of the 10th century temple complex to unearth more of the partially exposed temple. "The portion that has been unearthed seemed to be the base of a temple. It is too early to tell details about the remnants. It seems the temple was older to the existing one and was part of the Panchayatana model in which the main temple was surrounded by four temples. We are planning to continue further excavation towards Bindu Sagar lake to get more details," said Arun Malik, superintendent of the ASI's Odisha circle. The ASI recently resumed the excavation and scientific cleaning of the temple complex spread across two acres after a gap of a few months. In January this year, the ASI had unearthed a floor of an ancient temple and some portions of a wall panel while carrying out scientific cleaning on the premises near the temple. Those remnants were expected to be dated back to the Somavamshi period from the ninth to 12th century. "We are hoping to excavate many more temples on the Suka-Sari temple complex. It will throw more light on the temple architecture of Odisha and the rich cultural heritage of the temple city," Malik added. Sources said, ancient scriptures mentioned existence of over 1,000 temples in Bhubaneswar during the 15th century for which the capital was named the "Temple City". But over the years, most of the temples were destroyed due to lack of preservation. At present, only 200 temples are there in the city. Of the total monuments, 23 are being preserved by the ASI and 15 by the state archaeology wing, sources said. The ASI had alleged serious violation of the conservation and preservation laws over "mindless demolition" on the premises of the ASI-protected sites by state government agencies for the Ekamra Kshetra project. Under the Ekamra Kshetra development plan, the state aims to develop an 80-acre area around the historic Lingaraj Temple in the Old Town area here.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/bhubaneswar-ancient-temple-base-found-under-suka-sari/articleshow/87330488.cms, October 28, 2021