(IN): On nature’s trail, close to home

[Guest guest]

Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070423/asp/guwahati/story_7679805.asp

 

On nature's trail, close to home

A STAFF REPORTER

 

April 22: Looking for the perfect weekend getaway?

 

You don't have to go far. The far-from-the-madding-crowd spots that

nature lovers yearn for can be found right here, in localities

scattered in and around the city.

 

For a city that seems hopelessly overcrowded with residents,

ever-growing concrete structures and vehicles, the ingredients for a

perfect nature trail are not far behind.

 

A nature trail is generally defined as a route that leads through

places known for their scenic beauty and sites that are ideal for

studying natural history. The Assam State Zoo, forests, wetlands, the

Narengi cantonment, the waterfront, and the judge's bungalow in

Kachari are places where nature lovers can enjoy their hobby to the hilt.

 

Most enthusiasts believe there can be nothing better than a solitary

walk in the midst of nature. They believe that such communion with

nature is a source of a spiritual tranquillity that rarely comes with

any other activity.

 

" The city, with all its surrounding forests, offers excellent

opportunities for nature trails. There are innumerable places where

youngsters can enjoy as well as learn. Schools and other educational

institutions can play a major role in organising such expeditions, "

said a forest official.

 

Nature trails have blossomed into a major source of income for various

travel companies that organise such tours, the source added.

 

Moreover, nature trails are also an inexpensive mode of holidaying.

All that are required are a notebook, a pencil, a pair of binoculars

and good field guides for reference. And one is all set to go.

 

Manoj Nair, a former forest official at the state zoo, says in his

book Inside a City Forest that any given place, be it a deep forest

glade or a crowded bus stop, has something to offer to the discerning

naturalist. Nair also says that one requires a group of three to four

naturalists — each specialising in a different species — for a perfect

outing.

 

However, there are certain dos and don'ts for every naturalist to keep

in mind on a nature trail, Nair adds. One should have adequate

knowledge regarding the animals, their behaviour and their habitats.

An awareness of the ecological balance is also a prerequisite.

 

Nature enthusiasts can take their pick from the Garbhanga Reserve

Forest, Rani Reserve Forest or Umananda, as perfect places for

birdwatching and other related activities.

 

Garbhanga is an Important Bird Area and comprises a rich tract of

forestland, which is contiguous to the forests of Meghalaya.

 

Though some places leave a lot to be desired as far as facilities for

tourists are concerned, they still have lots to offer to students of

natural history.

 

The Assam State Zoo has several nature trails to offer, where students

can take up projects. The Watch Tower Road is one such route.

 

While the Gauhati University campus offers opportunities for studying

reptiles, mainly snakes, the Brahmaputra riverfront is an ideal place

to sight turtles.

 

Firoz Ahmed, a herpetologist with Aaranyak, an NGO, says it is

important to develop some of these existing nature trails and

encourage such endeavours. " There should be drinking water facilities,

restaurants and resting places along the trail so that travellers can

rest, " he added.

 

" Since the environment plays a crucial role in education, students

should be encouraged to interact with nature and unravel new facts

about their surroundings, " another forest official said.