Solar fence to mitigate human-elephant conflict
In a bid to mitigate human-elephant conflict and facilitate co-existence, biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak has installed a 30.1-km solar fence covering three project villages in Jorhat district in collaboration with the British Asian Trust and the Elephant Family with support from the Darwin Initiative. The project has benefitted over 1,047 households affected by human-elephant conflict. There was a time when herds of wild elephants would wreak havoc in these villages while foraging for crops, causing immense hardship to the agrarian community. However, the installation of these solar-powered fences helped significantly ease the problem.
15K bighas of satra land encroached upon: CM
The 'satras' — monastic institutions within Assam's neo-Vaishnavite tradition — have lost over 15,000 bighas of their land to encroachment. Taking a serious view of it, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that an area twice the size of Dispur had been encroached upon. 'The sheer scale of encroachment of the satras is a direct assault on Assam's culture and identity. Not anymore. We are dealing firmly with this,' he posted on X. The Satra Aayog, constituted by the government for reviewing and assessing the problems of satra land in Assam, has submitted its final report to Sarma with its recommendations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Ancient Relic Depicting Goddess On Two Lions Unearthed At Ayodhya's Ram Temple Complex
Last Updated: Experts say the artefact appears to bear the image of a female deity - likely representing a Shakta or Vaishnavite tradition - standing over two crouching lions. Ongoing excavation work along the Kuber Tila pathway in the Ram Temple complex has unearthed another remarkable archaeological find – an ancient relic depicting a goddess figure atop two lions. Believed to be centuries old, the carving adds to the growing list of artefacts found at the sacred site, reinforcing Ayodhya's deep civilisational roots. The relic was discovered during foundation work in a zone being developed as a spiritual trail around Kuber Tila, a prominent hillock within the Ram Janmabhoomi campus. Experts say the artefact appears to bear the image of a female deity – likely representing a Shakta or Vaishnavite tradition – standing over two crouching lions. While erosion over time has softened the finer details, the posture and iconography align with depictions of divine figures seen in early medieval Hindu temple art. According to a senior official of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, several such relics have been discovered since temple construction began. Each of them is being documented and preserved carefully. This latest find is particularly fascinating because of its symbolic depth and artistic style. Echoes of the Past Beneath Sacred Ground The Kuber Tila area is undergoing extensive development as part of the broader temple plan, which aims not only to build a grand structure for Lord Ram but also to revive and protect Ayodhya's tangible heritage. The recent discovery, say archaeologists, strengthens the historical and spiritual linkage of Ayodhya through the centuries. Officials and experts involved in the construction work noted that the recently unearthed artefact, featuring a lion and goddess motif, reflects a long-standing tradition in Indian temple iconography. The depiction likely represents Goddess Durga or a regional deity and is estimated to date between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. Given Ayodhya's uninterrupted sacred legacy, such symbols point to the deep and layered evolution of worship practices at the site. Previous Discoveries at the Ram Temple Site This is not an isolated incident. Since 2020, when the temple's deep foundation work began, a series of ancient artefacts have been uncovered. These include three ring wells, animal and human terracotta figurines, decorated bricks, and copper objects – all found at levels more than 40 feet deep. Experts associate these artefacts with the Maurya, Shunga, and Kushana periods, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Some scholars contacted by the trust have even suggested the possibility of earlier origins through radiocarbon dating. They may be looking at cultural remnants as old as 1680 BCE, indicating over 3,600 years of historical continuity under Ayodhya's soil, according to an official. The 2003 ASI Excavation: A Legal Turning Point Earlier, in 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a high-profile excavation at the disputed site under the directions of the Allahabad High Court. This investigation revealed the remains of a pre-existing religious structure – including carved pillars, shrine bases, and decorated stones – beneath the Babri Masjid. These findings were later acknowledged by the Supreme Court in its 2019 judgment, which awarded the disputed land to the Hindu side for temple construction. The ASI report, along with testimonies and artefacts, played a pivotal role in legally affirming the site's historic Hindu connection. Ongoing Preservation and a Future Museum To preserve these cultural treasures, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has formed a dedicated conservation team. Artefacts found during construction are being catalogued, and plans are underway to display them in a museum being built within the temple complex. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, stated that all artefacts discovered during construction are being carefully preserved. These are not just stones but testimonies to Ayodhya's ancient heritage. They are being catalogued systematically, and they will be displayed in a museum within the temple complex to educate future generations. The Trust has also involved art historians and epigraphists to decode the symbols and inscriptions found on the stones and relics, many of which are yet to be fully interpreted.
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
ONGC clears path for well-capping ops, residents beyond 500-metre radius allowed to return home
Sivasagar , In a step towards capping the crude oil well from which gas has been leaking for 11 days in Sivasagar district, energy major ONGC on Sunday said heavy equipment needed for the process is being mobilised. ONGC clears path for well-capping ops, residents beyond 500-metre radius allowed to return home It said after latest assessments, residents living beyond a 500-metre radius from the incident site have now been advised that it is safe to return to their homes and resume normal activities, including cooking and the use of electricity. The blowout took place on June 12 at a well of Rudrasagar oil field of ONGC at Barichuk of Bhatiapar. A private firm, S K Petro Services, was operating the well on behalf of the state-owned company. 'Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd , in collaboration with international well-control experts from Cudd Pressure Control, has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing operations at Well RDS#147A,' it said in a statement. Approximately 10 trailer loads of rig material have been successfully removed by ONGC's Crisis Management Team and the expert crew, clearing the majority of the rig equipment from the site and paving the way for the upcoming well-capping operation. 'The necessary heavy equipment required for the capping process is currently being mobilised to the site,' it said. The team has conducted a detailed inspection of the elevated section of the rig mast to plan the safe removal of the tubing stacked in the derrick. A specialised extra-long boom crane is being mobilised for this critical operation, with deployment scheduled at the earliest possible time, the ONGC said. As a continuous safety measure, water blanketing of the well is being maintained, the statement said. The ONGC has also been actively supporting the district administration at the relief camps. More than 330 families from surrounding villages have been evacuated, and are being supported with basic relief and safety measures at a camp set up in nearby Bangaon, it said. The Assam government has already announced a financial aid of ₹ 25,000 each to the families affected by the blowout. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on Friday said ONGC authorities have informed him that the entire crude oil well from where gas was leaking will be capped. He said assessment of damages and compensation payment will be jointly carried out by ONGC and the district administration. An official of ONGC had earlier said it was an old crude well without production, and a perforation job was underway for zone transfer at the time of the blowout. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- India Gazette
Assam gas leak; US experts have arrived, capping of well will start on Saturday June 21: Assam CM
Sivasagar (Assam) [India], June 20 (ANI): An expert team of USA has reached India and the process of capping of ONGC Rudrasagar Field which is struggling to check the gas leak and fire for last few days, will start from Saturday, June 21, said Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in a press conference. According to ONGC, a new, safer, and more practical plan is now in motion to control the leak. A team of expert engineers from the United States have arrived at the site to assist in the operation. Full-scale work under the new strategy of capping the field is set to begin tomorrow. Earlier in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also shared an update regarding the fire of ONGC Rudrasagar Field on his X handle, stating that nearly 50 per cent of the groundwork, including site preparation and equipment setup, has been completed and a team of experts from the US is about to reach the site to provide support. He posted, 'We've received an update from @ONGC on the ongoing operation at the RDS 147A well site in Sivasagar. After exploring multiple approaches with great effort and precision, ONGC is now advancing with a more practical and safer strategy to cap the leak. Close to 50% of the groundwork--such as site preparation and equipment mobilisation--has already been completed.' He added, 'A team of experts from the United States is reaching the site this evening to provide additional insights and support. Full-scale operations under the new plan are set to begin tomorrow. The Government of India and Government of Assam are monitoring the situation 24x7 and are fully committed to ensuring safety, restoring normalcy, and resolving the issue at the earliest.' So far, ONGC has tried several 'junk shot' methods using different materials and pressure techniques to stop the gas discharge. As the situation continues, an alternate route is being developed to allow safer movement to and from the well site. For safety, bunk houses and non-essential equipment are being removed from the area. Water blanketing--a method used to reduce fire risk--is ongoing around the clock. Air quality is being checked continuously, and all levels, including gas and dust particles, are reported to be within safe limits. ONGC, along with district officials, is also helping the families affected by the incident. The company has said it remains fully committed to protecting the safety of the local community and the environment. The Government of India and the Government of Assam are monitoring the situation closely and are working together to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible. (ANI)
