Majuli’s World Heritage Site Bid Faces Uncertainty
Guwahati – Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, has been striving for UNESCO World Heritage Site status for two decades but continues to face hurdles. Initially included in UNESCO’s Tentative List during the World Heritage Committee session in Suzhou, China, a formal nomination dossier was submitted in 2006, with additional updates in 2008.
Despite a revised dossier submission in 2012, it was returned due to non-compliance with the latest operational guidelines. Consequently, the Assam government was tasked with preparing a revised nomination. Subsequent dossiers submitted in 2014 and 2017 did not secure the coveted tag. A senior officer from the Directorate of Cultural Affairs confirmed that efforts to secure the World Heritage status are ongoing.
Majuli, situated in Jorhat district of northern Assam, spans about 875 sq km in the Brahmaputra delta. This river island is home to various ethno-cultural groups united by the social institution of Sattra, founded by the 16th-century Vaishnava saint Sankardeva. Majuli faces significant threats from flooding and erosion due to the Brahmaputra River, besides modern influences. The island’s ecological and cultural systems are under pressure from population growth and the displacement of locals.
The recent inclusion of the ‘moidams’ of Charaideo, associated with the Ahom dynasty, in UNESCO’s World Heritage List has reignited calls for more vigorous efforts to recognize Majuli as a World Heritage Site. Residents urge the state government to take decisive steps to secure UNESCO recognition for Majuli, emphasizing its cultural significance as the epicenter of Vaishnavite culture.
In related news, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee recently recognized the Saint Hilarion Monastery in Palestine as a World Heritage Site, underscoring the global significance of preserving vital cultural and historical landmarks.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/heritage-tag-for-majuli-river-island-still-uncertain/articleshow/112054657.cms
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