Eco-cultural landscape of Assam

Context: Natural heritage forms the backbone of the eco-cultural landscape of a
region, be it rural or urban. It supports biodiversity, fosters community
well-being, and nourishes mental and physical health. Natural heritage also
holds profound cultural significance, serving as a foundation for traditions,
spiritual practices, and community life. In Assam, numerous ancient trees,
parks, hills, hillocks, and waterbodies are intricately woven into the local
culture, reflecting centuries of rich history and ecological consciousness.
These natural assets are treasured repositories of nostalgia, and their preservation
is key to maintaining Assam’s unique cultural identity. Unfortunately, the
impact of rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in Assam often
comes at the expense of its natural heritage. A recent example is a proposal to
cut down 25 trees to construct a flyover at Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati.

Key points

·       Overview: If you’re
looking for a beautiful and serene place to visit in India, look no further
than the northeastern state of Assam. This stunning region is home to rolling
hills, lush forests, and miles of tea plantations. The people of Assam are warm
and friendly, and the culture is rich and diverse.

·       History
of Assam: Assam is a state in Northeast India. The region has been home to various
ethnic groups, including the Tai-Ahom, Koch, Borahi, Kachari, and Dimasa
peoples. The first recorded history of Assam dates to the third century BCE,
when it was part of the Mauryan Empire. In the 12th century CE, the region came
under the rule of the Ahom Kingdom, which lasted for six centuries. The Ahoms
were succeeded by the Burmese in 1824 CE, who ruled Assam until 1826 CE when it
became a part of British India. Since independence in 1947 CE, Assam has been
plagued by ethnic and separatist violence. In recent years, however, there has
been some progress towards peace and stability in the region.

·       Geography
of Assam: Assam is a state in northeastern India. It is the size of South Korea
and is bordered by Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The capital is Dispur,
located in the central part of the state. Assam covers an area of 78,438 square
kilometres (30,285 square miles) and the population of Assam is 31,205,576
(2011 Census). Most of the people are of Indo-Aryan descent, with smaller
numbers of Tibeto-Burman and Mongoloid peoples. The largest city is Guwahati,
with a population of over one million.

Climate - The landlocked
state has a tropical climate and receives heavy rainfall. Assam’s average
temperature ranges from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
The state has three main geographical regions: the Brahmaputra River valley in
the north, the Barak River valley in the south, and hilly areas in between.

Flora and Fauna
-
Assam is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, leopards, and
many other animals. It is also home to more than 600 species of birds. The
state has dense tropical forests with a variety of trees such as bamboo, teak,
mahogany, and sandalwood. Assam is also known for its tea plantations. More
than 50% of India’s tea comes from Assam.

·       Loss
of natural heritage: The lack of focus on protecting natural heritage
has caused a great imbalance in the eco-cultural landscape of the region, which
urgently needs attention. In Assam, there seems to be a significant lack of a
balanced approach towards natural assets and development. The State’s renowned
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has witnessed a
shrinking of grassland areas due to the construction of hotels, resorts, and
infrastructure for tourism.

·       Conclusion: Overall, Assam
is a beautiful and unique region of India with a rich culture and history. The
tea-growing industry is an important part of the economy, and the people are
friendly and welcoming. Protecting Assam’s natural heritage is not just our
collective responsibility but also a way to honour our cultural roots and
values. Hills, waterbodies, and ancient trees hold stories, traditions and
nostalgia that are essential to Assam’s identity. If left unchecked, the
relentless drive for urban expansion will erode this rich heritage, leaving
future generations disconnected from the roots that shaped their identity.