Ganga Darpan Centre in Varanasi promotes biodiversity edu, conservation
2
Varanasi: The Ganga Darpan interpretation centre, located at Sarnath's forest department campus, is becoming a hub for
biodiversity education
. Developed by the
Wildlife Institute of India
under the
Namami Gange project
, the centre features a 3D model of the Ganga River showcasing its diverse wildlife, including dolphins, crocodiles, and turtles.
With over 62 species of birds on display, the centre has attracted more than 20,000 visitors, offering workshops, educational sessions, and programs that promote river conservation and civic responsibility.
The Ganga Darpan Interpretation Centre in Sarnath symbolises cultural reflection, scientific understanding, and ecological conservation for the Ganga River. Established in 2019, the centre aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote responsibility towards the Ganga river system.
It highlights the river's significance in people's lives since ancient times and seeks to shift perceptions of the Ganga from a polluted river to one appreciated for its natural beauty and aesthetic value.
The
Ganga Darpan centre
's 3D model showcases the river's aquatic life, highlighting dolphins, crocodiles, turtles, skimmers, storks, and otters that maintain the river's ecological balance. The centre is also a haven for birdwatchers, with around 62 species reported, including the Grey Hornbill, White-throated Kingfisher, Asian Cuckoo, and Indian Peafowl, among others.
The presence of diverse tree species attracts a variety of birds to the centre.
In Ganga Darpan, the entire journey of the Ganga, including major pilgrimage sites, rivers, cities, and protected areas like Gangotri National Park and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, is displayed through 3D. A panel showcases the historical and cultural significance of the Ganges during empires from the Mauryas to the Mughals, with references to Ain-i-Akbari and Baburnama.
QR codes for different topics provide all the information, and an interactive kiosk offers detailed information about the river's heritage and biodiversity. Additionally, a panel displays the historical and cultural significance of the Ganga during empires from the Mauryas to the Mughals, with references to Ain-i-Akbari and Baburnama.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
15 hours ago
- India.com
6 Hidden Birdwatching Spots In Ranchi That Feel Like A Real-Life Nature Documentary
photoDetails english 2934245 Updated:Jul 20, 2025, 10:15 AM IST Best birdwatching places in Ranchi 1 / 10 Think birdwatching is only for national parks and remote forests? Think again. Right in the heart of Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi hides six breathtaking birdwatching spots where nature comes alive in full color and song. From waterfalls to dams, these serene locations are home to everything from vibrant bee-eaters to majestic falcons. If you're a nature lover or an amateur birder, get ready to be blown away by what Ranchi has to offer! Hundru Falls: More Than Just a Waterfall 2 / 10 Hundru Falls, around 45 km from Ranchi, is a dramatic cascade that draws tourists—but it's also an ideal birdwatching escape. Dense vegetation around the falls provides shelter to birds like the Red-vented Bulbul, Jungle Babbler, and White-throated Kingfisher. In the winters, migratory stars like the Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Pied Cuckoo show up. Early mornings and post-monsoon months are the best time to catch the vibrant flurry of wings. Jonha Falls (Gonda Falls): Serenity Meets Avian Life 3 / 10 Located about 40 km southeast of Ranchi, Jonha Falls is cradled in the Hanuman Valley rainforest. The Oriental Magpie-Robin, Common Myna, and the elusive Malabar Whistling Thrush can often be heard here. During migratory seasons, birdwatchers may also spot the Ashy Drongo and Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher. The solitude of the place offers undisturbed birding moments for enthusiasts. Kanke Dam: A Waterbird Wonderland 4 / 10 On the outskirts of the city, Kanke Dam is an oasis for water-loving birds. Expect to spot the Purple Moorhen, Little Grebe, and Cotton Pygmy Goose year-round. Winter brings migratory ducks like the Northern Pintail and Gadwall. Raptors like the Black Kite and Brahminy Kite soar above. With its accessibility and rich bird diversity, this dam is a favorite for casual and seasoned watchers alike. Birsa Zoological Park: Beyond the Fences 5 / 10 Don't let the name fool you, the real birdwatching treat at Birsa Zoo lies outside the fenced enclosures. Surrounded by lush greenery, this area hosts wild species like the Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Greater Coucal. While inside, the aviary offers up-close views of Hornbills, Parrots, and Peafowl, outside gives you a more raw, authentic birding experience. Rock Garden: An Artistic Bird Hideout 6 / 10 Located in central Ranchi, the Rock Garden is not just about sculptures. Its terraced layout and water bodies attract a surprising number of birds. Spot the Common Kingfisher diving near ponds, or Warblers and Sunbirds flitting through flowering bushes. The garden's aesthetic charm combined with feathered guests makes it a photographer's paradise. Tagore Hill: Where Poetry Meets Birdsongs 7 / 10 Tagore Hill, named after Rabindranath Tagore, is not just a viewpoint. The hill is rich with bamboo groves and Sal trees that attract Golden Orioles, Green Bee-eaters, and Indian Scimitar Babblers. Birds of prey like the Shikra and Peregrine Falcon have been sighted soaring here. It's the perfect escape for peace, poetry, and plumage. Ranchi birdwatching spots 8 / 10 Quick Tips for Birdwatching in Ranchi: 1. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for best sightings 2. Carry binoculars, a bird guidebook, and a quiet attitude 3. Avoid loud sounds and sudden movements 4. Winters (Nov-Feb) are ideal for migratory birds 5. Respect nature, don't disturb nesting areas or leave trash behind Nature spots in Ranchi 9 / 10 Ranchi's birdwatching scene is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you're a serious ornithologist or someone who just enjoys nature, these six birding spots offer you a front-row seat to Jharkhand's feathered wonders. So grab your gear and discover a side of Ranchi you never knew existed! Bird photography Ranchi 10 / 10 (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) (Pic Credits: Freepik)
News18
5 days ago
- News18
White Lotus Season 4 Confirmed; Here's Everything We Know So Far
After the shocking end of The White Lotus Season 3, the creators announced that Season 4 is already in the works, and since then, numerous hints have been shared online. The White Lotus has captivated audiences with its sharp exploration of the lives of wealthy travellers. Created by Mike White, the anthology series sets each season in a stunning new location with a fresh cast of characters, peeling back the polished surface to reveal the bizarre habits and hidden tensions of the elite. Following the jaw-dropping conclusion of Season 3, the creators wasted no time in confirming that Season 4 is already in development. Since then, tantalising hints have surfaced online, fueling excitement and speculation. Who will join the new cast? What twisted story will unfold next? And when can fans expect the new season to premiere? Read on for all the details revealed so far. There were earlier talks that the next season might be set in Japan, Mexico or Australia. But now, a fresh report hints at a surprising new location, Norway. A local Norwegian news outlet, Bergens Tidende, shared that the show's creator, White, has applied for a grant from the Norwegian Film Institute to shoot a project titled Secret Garden, for which he asked for NOK 88 million for the filming. Interestingly, the White Lotus Season 3 actor Patrick Schwarzenegger once revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that while auditioning, the show was codenamed Secret Garden. This small detail now seems important, especially after news of Mike White applying for a grant in Norway under the same name. It strongly hints that Season 4 could be set in a colder region, far different from the show's earlier warm and sunny locations like Thailand, Sicily and Miami. Cast: It's still not known which stars will check into the next White Lotus resort that Mike White is planning. The cast list for Season 4 has not been confirmed, and fans are eagerly waiting for updates. On social media, people are already sharing their dream actors for the new season. Some popular names include Catherine O'Hara, Stanley Tucci, Ayo Edebiri, Steven Yeun and Lisa Kudrow, among others, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Release Date: The first two seasons of The White Lotus arrived in August 2021 and the next in October 2022. But Season 3 took longer, mostly because of the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023. It finally premiered in February 2025. Now, fans are wondering how long the wait will be for Season 4. If things move smoothly this time and there are no delays, there's a good chance that the new season could be released in late 2026 or early 2027. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Taliban Calling
Times of India's Edit Page team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. The extremist regime wants tourists. Why shouldn't it? It's part of the normalisation of brutality Kim Jong Un last month posed on a beach, surfing on the 'wave of happiness' that North Korea's Dear Leader has promised tourists visiting the newly developed Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist zone. The dictator wants more international tourists. So far, small Russian groups are the only package deal North Korea receives. This month, it's Taliban's turn to invite tourists to Afghanistan. Wonsan Kalma and Afghanistan are beautiful places. But they are not on tourists maps for good reason. Taliban's ad is made by a tour operator. It starts with a familiar chilling scene of beheadings: men, heads covered, kneeling in front of gun-wielding, presumably, Afghans. Only here, the headcover is yanked off to reveal a grinny White male flashing a thumbs-up sign. A flower tucked in the barrel of a machine gun, a close-up of an M4 rifle with 'property of US govt' etched, the 50-second ad flits between making light of Taliban as people who terrorised to stunning footage of Afghanistan. It is as extraordinarily tone-deaf as many of Trump's Truth Social posts. Taliban meanwhile is intensifying its war against Afghan women. Banned from work and education, they're publicly flogged, refused healthcare unless a male relative's present, and their movement is fully restricted. Heavily sanctioned Taliban wants tourists to earn some hard cash. But to make a beheading scene part of a promotion targeted at Americans is a cold measure of how normalised brutality is. Will Americans go, though their govt says don't? Undoubtedly. Indifference to violence is global culture, the unthinkable is routinely normalised. So, for a certain section, what could thrill more than swinging an M4 or Kalashnikov at Afghanistan's majestic peaks? Reality and rights & wrongs can take a vacation. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
