IND:Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

IND:Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism Initial Environment Examination Project Number: 40648-034 September 2019 IND: Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism - Tranche 3 Subproject : Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of Pithoragarh Fort (Phase II) Submitted by Program Management Unit, Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun This initial environmental examination report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. This is an updated version of IEE posted in April 2016 available on https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/ind-idipt-t3-pithoragarh-fort-ph2-apr-2016-iee. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Updated Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Loan Number: 3223 IND Package No.: UK/IDIPT-III/BHT/07 Updated September 2019 Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism, Uttarakhand Subproject – Restoration and Adaptive Reuse of Pithoragarh Fort (Phase II) TRANCHE III Prepared by the Government of Uttarakhand for the Asian Development Bank This updated Initial Environmental Examination report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. ABBREVIATIONS ADB - Asian Development Bank BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand BoQ - Bill of Quantities CO - Carbon monoxide CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board DSC - Design and Supervision Consultant EA - Executing Agency EAC - Expert Appraisal Committee EARF - Environment Assessment and Review Framework EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EMP - Environment Management Plan ES - Environmental Specialist GC - General Conditions KMVN - - Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam GoI - Government of India GoUK - Government of Uttarakhand IDIPT - Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism IEE - Initial environmental examination INR - Indian Rupee PUC - Pollution Under Control Certificate MLD - Million Liters per day MoEF - Ministry of Environment and Forests MFF - Multi- Trench Financing Facility NGO - Non-Governmental Organization NOx - Nitrogen oxide PD - Project Director PIU - Project Implementation Unit PM - Particulate Matter PMU - Project Management Unit RPM - Respirable Particulate Matter SC - Scheduled Castes SO2 - Sulphur dioxide SPM - Suspended Particulate Matter SPS - Safeguards Policy Statement ST - Scheduled Tribe TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 4 A. Background ................................................................................................................. 4 B. Purpose of IEE ............................................................................................................ 4 C. Environmental Regulatory Compliance ........................................................................... 5 Review and Approval Procedure .................................................................................... 7 D. Report Structure ........................................................................................................ 8 II. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMPONENTS ........................................................... 9 A. Project Overview ....................................................................................................... 9 B. Present Status ........................................................................................................... 9 C. Project Components ................................................................................................ 10 D. Project Implementation Schedule ............................................................................ 10 III. DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ........................................................ 11 A. Environmental profile- Physical Resources .............................................................. 11 B. Ecological Resources And Biodiversity ......................................................................... 14 C. Economic Resources ............................................................................................... 16 D. Social and Cultural Resources ................................................................................ 17 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ................................ 20 A. Land Acquisition and Resettlement ......................................................................... 20 B. Environmental Impacts ............................................................................................ 21 V. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) .................................................... 33 A. Institutional Arrangements ....................................................................................... 33 B. Environmental Management Plan ............................................................................ 34 C. Environmental Monitoring Plan ................................................................................ 53 D. Capacity Building ..................................................................................................... 54 E. Environmental Budget ............................................................................................. 57 F. Environmental Monitoring and Reporting ................................................................. 57 VI. PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE .............................. 58 A. Process for Consultation followed ............................................................................ 58 B. Future Consultation and Information Disclosure ...................................................... 61 C. Grievance Redress Mechanism ............................................................................... 61 VII. FIELD BASED ENVIRONMENTAL DUE DILIGENCE .............................................. 64 VIII. FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................... 65 IX. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................... 65 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ......................................... 5 TABLE- 2: AMBIENT AIR QUALITY (24HOURSBASIS) ................................................ 13 TABLE-3: AMBIENT NOISE QUALITY ........................................................................... 14 TABLE 4: DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PROJECT AREA ......................................... 17 TABLE 5: LIST OF BASIC AMENITIES IN THE PROJECT AREA ................................ 18 TABLE 6: SWOT ANALYSIS .......................................................................................... 19 TABLE 7 –: IMPACT OF LAND ACQUISITION AND RESETTLEMENT......................... 21 TABLE-8: SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ......................................................................................................................................... 27 TABLE 9: PRE CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .... 36 TABLE 10: CONSTRUCTION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........ 38 TABLE 11: OPERATION PHASE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ............... 52 TABLE 12: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN ..................................................... 53 TABLE 13: TRAINING MODULES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ............... 55 TABLE 14: ENVIRONMENTAL BUDGET ....................................................................... 57 TABLE 15: CONSULTATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS ............................................... 59 LIST OF ANNEXURES ANNEXURE- 1 : COMPLIANCE WITH SUB PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA .......... 67 (AS PER EARF ) ............................................................................................................. 67 ANNEXURE- 2 : RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) CHECKLIST ......... 73 ANNEXURE- 3 (A) PROJECT LOCATION MAP ........................................................... 78 ANNEXURE-3 (B): LOCATION MAP INCLUDING ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS ........ 79 ANNEXURE- 3 (C) LAY OUTS AND 3D VIEW ............................................................... 80 3D FRONT VIEW OF PROPOSED MULTI LEVEL CAR PARKING LAYOUT PLAN OF ADDITIONAL BLOCK ..................................................................................................... 80 ANNEXURE 4 : LAND RECORD AND NOC ................................................................... 83 REQUEST LETTER FROM PIU TO NAGAR PALIKA PARISHAD, PITHORAGARH REGARDING ISSUANCE OF NOC ................................................................................. 84 ANNEXURE-5: AMBIENT AIR, WATER QUALITY AND NOISE MONITORING REPORTS........................................................................................................................ 92 LOCATION:TOURIST REST HOUSE SITE ..................................................................... 96 ANNEXURE 6- MINUTES OF MEETING ....................................................................... 103 ANNEXURE-7: PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE PHOTOGRAPHS AND ATTENDANCE SHEETS ..............................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK Part - a & B
    CENSUS OF INDIA 2001 SERIES-6 UTTARANCHAL DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK Part - A & B B"AGESHWAR VILLAGE & TOWN DIRECTORY VILLAGE AND TOWNWISE PRIMARY CENSUS ABSTRACT Directorate of Census Operations, ~ttaranchal UTTARANCHAL 1 ; /J I ,.L._., /'..... ~ . -- " DISTRICT BAGESHWAR , / / ' -_''; \ KILOMETRES \ , 5 o 5 10 15 20 25 i \ , ~\ K " Hhurauni ,._._.......... "'" " '. ... - ~ .i Didihat _.' _, ,' ... .- ..... ... .~ -- o BOU NDARY DI STRICT TA HSIL ... DISTRICT BAGESHWAR ( I£WL Y Cf<EA TED ) VIKA S KHAND ." CHAN(;[ N .I..IlISI)(;TION 1991 - 2001 HEADQUARTERS DI STRI CT, TAHSIL, VIKAS KHAND . STATE HI GH WAY ... SH 6 IM PORTA T METALLED ROAD RIVER AND STREAM .. ~ TOWNS WITH POPULATION SIZ E AND CLASS V . DEGREE COLLEGE • DISTRICT BAGESHWAR Area (sq.km.) .... .. 2,246 Population 249.462 Num ber of Ta hsils .... 2 Num ber of Vi ka s Kha nd .... 3 Number of. Town .... .... I Number of Vil lages 957 'l'akula and Bhaisiya Chhana Vikas Khand are spread over ., Are. gained from dislrict Almora. in two districts namelyBageshwar and Almora. MOTIF Baghnath Temple ""f1l-e temple of Bageshwar Mahadeva, locally known as Baghnath temple was erected by the 1. Chand Raja (Hindu ruler) Lakshmi Chand (1597-1621) around 1602 AD. In close proximity is the old temple of Vaneshwar as well as the recently constructed Bhairava (As Bhairava, Shiva is the terrible destroyer, his consort is Durga) temple. It is said to derive its name from the local temple of Lord Shiva as Vyageshwar, the Lord Tiger. The various statues in the temple date back from 7th century AD to 16th century AD. The significance of the temple fmds mention in Skand Purana (sacred legend of Hinduism) also.
    [Show full text]
  • Pindari & Kafni Glacier
    Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek Location Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand Area Bageshwar Grade of trek Moderate Co-ordinates 30°14'57"N 80°4'21"E Max. Altitude 3900 m Season mid May - September Duration 10 days The most easily accessible glacier in the Kumaon region, the Pindari Glacier has a beauty of its own. Situated between the snow-capped Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot Mountains, Pindari is a big and steep glacier measuring 3km in length and 0.25km in breadth. River Pindar originates from this Glacier and flows down to confluence into the river Alaknanda. The trekking route to the glacier traverses along the southern wilderness of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary offering some beautiful views of peaks like Panwali Dwar (6683m) and Maiktoli (6803m). A trek to the Pindari Glacier is a "soft adventure" experience and well within the capacity of any trekker who is amply rewarded by the magnificence and grandeur of the towering Himalayas. Trek Itinerary Day 00: Overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam Day 01 : KATHGODAM - travel to SONG-LOHARKHET (1750 m),6-7 hrs. Our jeep is ready to take us further deep into mountains. Overnight at Rest house. Day 2: LOHARKHET - DHAKURI (2680 M) 11kms It is an 11 km trek today that takes you down into the depths of the valley and then a fair climb to Dhakuri. Overnight is tents. Day 3: DHAKURI - KHATI (2210 M ) 8 kms Trek to Khati, the largest village on this route and is on the banks of the Pindar Ganga. Overnight in Tents / Village huts. Day 4: KHATI - DWALI (2575 M) 11kms (5-6hrs) The trek with the roar of the Pindar Ganga not too far off.
    [Show full text]
  • Mountaineering Festival 2018-19 Himachal Pradesh 23 Jul- 12 Aug 2018 Sikkim 15 Oct- 03 Nov 2018 Uttarakhand 20 May-8 Jun 2019 Ladakh (J&K) 22 Jul- 11 Aug 2019
    Indian Mountaineering Foundation announces Mountaineering Festival 2018-19 Himachal Pradesh 23 Jul- 12 Aug 2018 Sikkim 15 Oct- 03 Nov 2018 Uttarakhand 20 May-8 Jun 2019 Ladakh (J&K) 22 Jul- 11 Aug 2019 Highlights of Festival Fully Functional Base Camp set up by IMF during Festival period Climbing Equipment available on rent Guides/ Climbing Leaders available at Base Camp Over the counter permit facilitation Liaison Officers positioned at Base Camp High Altitude Trained Doctor at Base Camp Rescue teams positioned at Base Camp The aim of Mountain Festival 2018-19 is to facilitate easy access to the Indian Himalayas to mountaineers and trekkers across the globe Celebrating Adventure Tourism Showcasing the Indian Himalayas Promoting Mountain Skills and Safety Uttarakhand: Pindari glacier The Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot. The glacier flows to the south for a short distance of about 3 km (1.9 mi),0.25 km in breadth and gives rise to the Pindari River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in the Garhwal district. An excellent area for mountaineering expeditions the region a number or peaks around 6000 metre from easy to challenging.. Prominent Peaks in the Region Name of Peak Height Panwali Dwar 6663m Baljuri 5992m Nanda Kot 6861m Changuch 5957m Himachal Pradesh : The Bara Shigri Glacier Region The Bara Shigri is the largest glacier located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The glacier is located in the Chandra Valley of Lahaul and feeds the Chenab River.The name comes from the Lahaul dialect, where Bara means big and Shigri means glacier.
    [Show full text]
  • ASIAN ALPINE E-NEWS Issue No 75. September 2020
    ASIAN ALPINE E-NEWS Issue No 75. September 2020 C CONTENTS All-Afghan Team with two Women Climb Nation's Highest Peak Noshakh 7492m of Afghanistan Page 2 ~ 6 Himalayan Club E-Letter vol. 40 Page 7 ~ 43 1 All-Afghan Team, with 2 Women Climb Nation's Highest – Peak Noshakh 7492m The team members said they did their exercises for the trip in Panjshir, Salang and other places for one month ahead of their journey. Related News • Female 30K Cycling Race Starts in Afghanistan • Afghan Female Cyclist in France Prepares for Olympics Fatima Sultani, an 18-year-old Afghan woman, spoke to TOLOnews and said she and companions reached the summit of Noshakh in the Hindu Kush mountains, which is the highest peak in Afghanistan at 7,492 meters. 1 The group claims to be the first all-Afghan team to reach the summit. Fatima was joined by eight other mountaineers, including two girls and six men, on the 17-day journey. They began the challenging trip almost a month ago from Kabul. Noshakh is located in the Wakhan corridor in the northeastern province of Badakhshan. “Mountaineering is a strong sport, but we can conquer the summit if we are provided the gear,” Sultani said.The team members said they did their exercises for the trip in Panjshir, Salang and other places for one month ahead of their journey. “We made a plan with our friends to conquer Noshakh summit without foreign support as the first Afghan team,” said Ali Akbar Sakhi, head of the team. The mountaineers said their trip posed challenge but they overcame them.
    [Show full text]
  • India L M S Palni, Director, GBPIHED
    Lead Coordinator - India L M S Palni, Director, GBPIHED Nodal Person(s) – India R S Rawal, Scientist, GBPIHED Wildlife Institute of India (WII) G S Rawat, Scientist Uttarakhand Forest Department (UKFD) Nishant Verma, IFS Manoj Chandran, IFS Investigators GBPIHED Resource Persons K Kumar D S Rawat GBPIHED Ravindra Joshi S Sharma Balwant Rawat S C R Vishvakarma Lalit Giri G C S Negi Arun Jugran I D Bhatt Sandeep Rawat A K Sahani Lavkush Patel K Chandra Sekar Rajesh Joshi WII S Airi Amit Kotia Gajendra Singh Ishwari Rai WII Merwyn Fernandes B S Adhikari Pankaj Kumar G S Bhardwaj Rhea Ganguli S Sathyakumar Rupesh Bharathi Shazia Quasin V K Melkani V P Uniyal Umesh Tiwari CONTRIBUTORS Y P S Pangtey, Kumaun University, Nainital; D K Upreti, NBRI, Lucknow; S D Tiwari, Girls Degree College, Haldwani; Girija Pande, Kumaun University, Nainital; C S Negi & Kumkum Shah, Govt. P G College, Pithoragarh; Ruchi Pant and Ajay Rastogi, ECOSERVE, Majkhali; E Theophillous and Mallika Virdhi, Himprkrthi, Munsyari; G S Satyal, Govt. P G College Haldwani; Anil Bisht, Govt. P G College Narayan Nagar CONTENTS Preface i-ii Acknowledgements iii-iv 1. Task and the Approach 1-10 1.1 Background 1.2 Feasibility Study 1.3 The Approach 2. Description of Target Landscape 11-32 2.1 Background 2.2 Administrative 2.3 Physiography and Climate 2.4 River and Glaciers 2.5 Major Life zones 2.6 Human settlements 2.7 Connectivity and remoteness 2.8 Major Land Cover / Land use 2.9 Vulnerability 3. Land Use and Land Cover 33-40 3.1 Background 3.2 Land use 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Garhwal Himal – Milam Glacier Trek Und Nanda Devi Basecamp
    Trekking-Reisen / Asien / Indien / Garhwal Himal GARHWAL HIMAL – MILAM GLACIER TREK UND NANDA DEVI BASECAMP Beschreibung Anspruchsvolles Zelt-Trekking, 18 Tage Aufstieg zum Milam-Gletscher und ins Nanda-Devi-Basislager Von den Subtopen in die Gletscherwelt des Himalaya Seltene Blauschafe in der Heimat der Shauka Schluchten und Wasserfälle entang dem Gori-Ganga-Fluss Im Garten der göttlichen Nanda: Blick auf die Siebentausender Nanda Devi, Tirsuli und Hardeol und viele hohe Sechstausender Programm Im Garhwal Himal, wo Sechstausender die Regel sind, nehmen drei Siebentausender eine Vorrangstellung ein: der Tirsuli mit 7074 Metern, die Hardeol, 7151 Meter hoch, und die Nanda Devi, mit 7816 Metern Indiens höchste Spitze. Die Schlüsselstelle auf dem Weg zum Basislager ist die Durchschreitung der Gori-Ganga-Schlucht, wo Kondition, Trittsicherheit und Schwindelfreiheit von Bedeutung sind. Dann erkunden wir die Heimat der Shauka, die zur Gruppe der Bhotia gehören und traditionell besonders gute Kaufleute sind. Von der Siedlung Milam, einst wichtige Station im Salzhandel mit Tibet, führen Ausflüge zum gleichnamigen Gletscher mit seiner gewaltigen Moränenlandschaft und ins Nanda-Devi-Basislager, 3950 m. Die Gehzeiten liegen bei fünf bis acht und einmal bei neun Stunden. Im „Garten der göttlichen Nanda“, heute Nationalpark und UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe, stehen Sie der „Göttin der Freude“ direkt gegenüber. Erläuterungen: Gz 5 h Die Gehzeit ohne Pausen beträgt fünf Stunden. Hm ↑100 ↓200 Höhenmeter im Aufstieg bzw. im Abstieg. [F/M/–] [F/–/A] [–/–/A] Enthaltene Mahlzeiten: F = Frühstück; M = Mittagessen; A = Abendessen. 1. Tag: Abflug nach Indien Abflug mit Turkish Airlines ab Deutschland, Österreich oder der Schweiz über Istanbul nach Delhi. 2. Tag: Delhi Landung in Delhi, 218 m, Begrüßung am Airport und Fahrt zum Hotel in der indischen Kapitale.
    [Show full text]
  • Before You Use a New Skincare Product
    DAILY SUARGAM | JAMMU HEALTH WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 04, 2021 7 Neem & Aloe Vera should be on your list Chaukori: A paradise-like experience for nature lovers Who doesn’t love dewy germs. These ingredients hydrator and prevents Nestled in the lofty peaks of gardens ringed with lofty Adding about the develop- District Tourism Chaukhamba Nanda Devi, skin during monsoon are enriched with anti- the skin from dehydra- the Himalayas with jaw-drop- Himalayan peaks look like a ment at these offbeat places, Development Officer (DTDO) Nanda Kot and Panchchuli with minimal fuss? The bacterial and anti-inflam- tion without packing in ping views of majestic Nanda canvas drawn by its almighty Tourism Secretary Dilip Amit Lohani said: “Chaukori peak from various spots season of monsoon matory properties that the greasy element that Devi, Nanda Kot and the himself. The view of the sun- Jawalkar said: “We are contin- is one of the best offbeat places here.” brings its own set of chal- are suitable for all skin you might find in normal Panchachuli peaks, this hill rise in the backdrop of snow- uously working to develop that is attracting tourists from Connectivity lenges that demand a dif- types as they deeply creams and moisturisers. station of Pithoragarh district capped peaks from here looks offbeat location in all over the country especially Chaukori is 530 km away ferent kind of skincare cleanse the skin, and Packed with antioxidants can spellbound any soul to wonderful and rejuvenating. Uttarakhand. Chaukori is one people interested in workca- from Delhi. It is well connect- routine. The humidity maintain the balance in and vitamins, it helps in stay there forever.
    [Show full text]
  • MOUNTAIN VIEWS and TIGER TRAILS Uttarakhand Duration: 8 Nights /9 Days
    MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND TIGER TRAILS Uttarakhand Duration: 8 Nights /9 Days PLACES COVERED: DELHI –CORBETT –BINSAR –JHALTOLA –SONAPANI -DELHI Start from: Delhi End at: Delhi Permit needed: Yes Document required: Photocopies of valid nationality proof Photo-IDs (Passport, Driving License, Voters ID, PAN card, Adhar Card) Explore lesser known parts of Kumaon Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. Kumaon lies almost south to the great Himalayan range. It is moderate in its constitution. The lie of its land is gentler in its undulations, its lore more lyrical. What permeates the open valleys is a simpler, singular faith in the presiding deity of Kumaon- Nanda Devi, the goddess of Bliss. The destinations are hand-picked and the trip is a visual sensory overload for all the lovers of the Himalayas. Almost every day, you have a 180 degree view of high Himalayan peaks. Add to this the fantastic walks, cool climes, endless cups of tea, delicious food, jungle safaris, evenings around bonfire and Voila! You have a perfect journey. Day 01|Delhi - Corbett- 270 kms/7 -8 hrs drive Early morning leave Delhi for Corbett. Reach by afternoon to a Jungle Retreat in the peripheral forests of Corbett. Check into a Cottage. Freshen up and later go for an afternoon safari. Day 02|Corbett Another jungle safari early in the morning. In the afternoon, we go for a walk in the jungle. Evening at leisure in the retreat. Night stay in retreat. Day 03|Corbett- Binsar- 5 hrs Leave after breakfast to reach Binsar by afternoon. Check into the cottage located within the Sanctuary.
    [Show full text]
  • Witnessing Change
    WWF-India WWF-India is one of India’s largest conservation organization. Its mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment, which it addresses through its work in biodiversity conservation and reduction of humanity’s ecological footprint. WWF-India engages multiple stakeholders in an inter-disciplinary approach to address the issues pertaining to mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. The focus of the Climate Change and Energy programme is to contextualize climate change in the framework of inclusive development, incorporating the climate resilience built within it. WITNESSING CHANGE: Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi BIT, Mesra, Ranchi is a "Deemed University" offering programmes and undertaking GLACIERS IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS research in diverse fields including Engineering & Technology, Applied Sciences (Environmental Sciences and Glaciology etc.), Remote Sensing, Computer Applications, and Biotechnology. The Jaipur Extension Centre of BIT, Mesra has Remote Sensing Division which has been involved since 2006, in studying and monitoring few Himalayan glaciers to understand the climate change impact on the glacier fluctuations as well on the fresh water reserve in the Himalayas. The contents of this report may be used by any one providing proper acknowledgement to WWF and BIT. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources and from analysis, which the authors believe to be reliable. All opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are based on the author’s judgment at the time of publishing this report. The authors and any one associated with the report are not liable for any unintended errors or omissions, opinions expressed herein.
    [Show full text]
  • Nanda Devi : the 'Bliss Giving' Goddess of Kumaun
    1 NANDA DEVI : THE ‘BLISS GIVING’ GODDESS OF KUMAUN Mountains, like men, have their history. They too are born, grow, decay and die. One cannot claim that, like men, they love, but it is true - and how true – that they are loved. Felice Benuzzi, No Picnic on Mount Kenya The twin peaks of Nanda Devi (7,816 m) and Nanda Devi East (7,434 m) of Kumaun stand majestically in the centre of a ring of mountains, distinct and beautiful, particularly as the first and the last rays of the sun caress their summits. Hugh Ruttledge, a British explorer, after his attempt to find a route to these peaks in 1932, described the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in a letter to The Times, London: “A seventy- mile barrier ring on which stand twelve measured peaks of over 21,000 ft, which has no depression lower than 17,000 ft except in the west where the Rishi Ganga rising at the foot of Nanda Devi draining the area of some 250 square miles (800 square kilometres) of snow and ice has earned for itself what must be one of the most terrific gorges in the world.” Without the Sanctuary and its wall of high peaks to absorb the main thrust of the icy Tibetan winds, the Gangetic plains, the granary of India, would have been stripped barren. History In 1883, in one of the first attempts to reach the inner sanctuary, W W Graham, a British traveller, tried to forge a way through the Rishi Ganga gorge, failing to make much headway.
    [Show full text]
  • Government of India Ministry of Tourism
    GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2386# ANSWERED ON 16.03.2021 DEVELOPING MOUNTAIN PEAKS FOR BOOSTING TOURISM 2386#. SHRI RAM SHAKAL: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether many mountain peaks in the country including the ones in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, will be developed from tourism standpoint for foreign tourists; and (b) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL) (a): Central Government has opened 340 Mountain Peaks, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, located in the 4 states viz. Uttarakhand (106 Peaks), Sikkim (10 Peaks), Jammu & Kashmir (133 Peaks), & Himachal Pradesh (91 Peaks) for mountaineering/trekking expeditions to be undertaken by foreign nationals. (b): The details of State-wise list of Mountaineering and Trekking Peaks in Indian Himalaya is Annexed. ******** ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2386# ANSWERED ON 16.03.2021 REGARDING DEVELOPING MOUNTAIN PEAKS FOR BOOSTING TOURISM LIST OF 340 MOUNTAIN PEAKS OPENED BY MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS FOR MOUNTAINEERING /TREKKING I. HIMACHAL PRADESH S. No. Peak or Height in Longitude Latitude Remarks meters 1 CB-9 (6108) 77 27’ 32 34’ Manali- Batal (RH)-BC-C-I,C-II,C- III and summit attempt 2 CB-10 (Tara 77 28’ 32 36’ Manali-Chhatru-Chhota Dara-Batal Pahar)(6227) (RH)-BC-C-I,C-II and summit attempt 3 CB-11 (5955) 77 31’ 32 22’ -do- 4 CB-12 (6258) 77 33’ 32 20’ -do- 5 CB-13 (6164) 77 33’ 32 21’ -do- 6
    [Show full text]
  • Classification of the Himalaya
    Classification of the Himalaya COMPILED BY H. ADAMS CARTER This study aims to classify the different groups of the Himalaya from its eastern end westward through the peaks of Garhwal (Uttar Pradesh) in India. Wherever data have been available, it gives a listing of all peaks above 6500 meters (21,326 feet) and all officially named peaks between 6000 meters (19,685 feet) and 6500 meters with altitudes and coordinates. In some ranges, where peaks are lower, some unnamed peaks in the second category have been included. The Nepalese section depends almost entirely on the outstanding work done by Dr. Harka Gurung and Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha. These two Nepalese scholars put together an inventory of all Nepalese peaks above 6000 meters with the latest altitudes, corrected names and coordinates. They used primarily the Survey of India topographic sheets at a scale of an inch to a mile (1:63,360). They also used maps ar 1:50,000 prepared for the Sino-Nepalese Boundary Agreement of 1979. For the Indian regions, extensive use was made of three maps published by the Schweizerische Stiftung fur Alpine Forschungen (Swiss Foundation for Al- pine Research) of Sikkim, Garhwal East and Garhwal West. Harish Kapadia and Dhiran Toolsides in particular gave great assistance by checking Indian data against further information available to them. Colonel Lakshmi Pati Shanna made valuable suggestions. Dr. Shi Yafeng also helped by providing an excel- lent Chinese map of the Everest region. In all sections, the Japanese Mountain- eering Maps of the World proved indispensable. Dr. Zbigniew Kowalewski had made fine studies, which are reflected here.
    [Show full text]