Majuli - The world's largest riverine island
This article describes about Majuli. Majuli is the world's largest riverine island and is located in the Jorhat district.
Majuli is the world's largest inhabitant riverine island which is located in the river Brahmaputra in Assam with an area of approximately 1250 sq.kms. Majuli is formed by Brahmaputra in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti and then joined by Subansiri river in the north. It falls under Jorhat District and it is 20 kms from Jorhat town. It is a natural and cultural heritage site. It is most famous for the 22 'Satras' which is similar to monasteries and propagates the religious ideas of the Assamese Neo-Vaisnavite culture lead by Saint Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavdeva. It also attracts plenty of migratory birds and local birds as well which include "Greater Adjutant Stork", "Pelican", "Siberian Crane" and "Whistling Teal".
Majuli is a major place of bio-diversity, it has a very rich ecology with some rare breeds of flora and fauna. It is a pollution free land, which probably is among only a few such land. It is a unique, spiritual and cultural landscape, and it has been a center of universal learning with "Maha Raas", "Tribal Raas", dance, drama and a lot of cultural activities which have been practiced here for years. Some of the unique features found here are:
Majuli has been considered for being turned into a world heritage site on a number of occasions, but, has not been approved yet. Due to floods and erosion of the land mass at the river banks, and shrinking shoreline, the condition is dithering at the moment. It has been tipped off that its existence will be eraded by 2020, if this condition continues. There are no funds being provided to protect and maintain its environment.
There have been some NGO's who have come forward to initiate and create awareness across the nation, and among the Governmental authorities, but, it is not enough. Please help and support to preserve this unique heritage.
One can reach there by going to 'Nimatighat Steamer Ghat' at Jorhat, and then ride on a Steamer, or Ferry. It is about 14 kms to Nimatighat from Jorhat town and then Majuli is 20 kms from Nimatighat. To stay there, there is no need of much preparation. One can stay at the guestrooms provided at the Satras by just writing to them in advance. There are also Inspection Bungalows at some points on the island, and one need to write to the Sub-Divisional Officer, Garamur, Majuli to stay. And, during the time of 'Raas', people welcome guest and tourists into their own homes, isn't it wonderful.
Some important contacts if anyone wishes to visit Majuli: Majuli Island Protection & Development Council
Sapta Sahid Road 68 South Avenue
GS Road, Mathura Nagar New Delhi-110 011
Guwahati 781006 Tel: +91-11-23792214
Tel: +91-361-2331937
Fax: +91-361-2611081
Tourist Departments:
Directorate Assam Tourism, Guwahati: 0361-2542748/2547102,
Assam Tourism Development Corporation, Guwahati: 0361-2454570/2454421/2457117/2609182
District Magistrate, Jorhat: 0376-2320020
Sub Divisional Officer, Majuli, Garamur: 03775-274475
Guwahati: 0361-2268061 - Bharat Saikia, Secy, MIPADC; +91-9435047990 – Diganta Gogoi, Project Director, MIPADC; E-mail: mipadc1@rediffmail.com
Majuli: +91-3775-274440 - Jiten Deka, Secy, MIPADC Majuli Unit.
Once again, please help and support for maintaining and preserving Majuli - The world's largest riverine island.
