Neil Island is a part of Andaman and Nicobar union territory of India. It is a tiny island 18.9 square kilometres wide and lies 40 kilometres northeast of Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 95 families who arrived in India as refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan were given shelter in Neil Island. This is how a tiny speck of wild land existing mid ocean became inhabited. The inhabitants brought with them their culture, knowledge, cuisine, and language.
As a Bengali speaker in the predominantly Bengali speaking island, I am having my way very easily. "I am a very responsible swimmer. Can I please take the unused snorkel mask and go into the water just by myself without the floaters?" This was all it took to have my moment with the corals. First the guides gave me the usual guided tour where I was wrapped in a floater that was tied to a rope. Then at my request I am allowed a grace period of 15 minutes to float in the lagoon on my own.
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National Parks Of India
India is blessed with a rich tapestry of biodiversity that is both a natural heritage and a national treasure. The concept of national parks in the country traces back to the late 19th century when the importance of conserving wildlife began to take root in the consciousness of the colonial administration. The first national park in India, Hailey National Park (now known as Rajaji National Park), was established in 1936, marking a historic commitment to wildlife conservation. The post-independence era saw an exponential increase in protected areas, primarily driven by a need to conserve India’s unique flora and fauna threatened by rampant industrialization and urbanization.
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