The Difference Between The Price We Pay And The Cost

Doorstep delivery of everything you want is now possible through a click on your mobile screen. In the rush to outsource everything for what seems like a nominal fee, the demand for getting everything in the quickest possible time has led to the need for speedy transport system through the country. This is one of the reasons for the need of a high-speed freight train corridor between New Delhi and Mumbai. But who is paying the price? Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The government’s nod to the high-speed freight train corridor that will run through the Park is a serious threat to the wildlife in the forest as well as take a toll on Mumbai’s only green lung. All so that you can buy something online and get it delivered at your doorstep for a mere Rs 200 extra!

The raging forest fires are yet another obvious result of the constant need to vacation! India has a booming number of travellers who keep generating fresh content around the clock to promote various destinations. Did you ever wonder if it was just a traveller’s desire to experience an off-beat location? Why did off-beat destinations suddenly become such an important part of travel? Maybe because the hospitality industry needed to generate more interest in places for more revenue? Logical or not?

I called up a posh resort in the Kumaon region, supposedly at the heart of the forest fires as a regular traveller seeking a booking. The gentleman who took the call said the fires were “hyped” out of proportion by the media. Interestingly, he suggested I take my family to their property at Mukteshwar “where the government-owned forest was a safe haven for the birds.” The fires are only in the “other” part of the forest, the part that will in a matter of time become unusable as forest and ideal for new resorts. Land grabbing through forest fires is hardly a new concept in India.

Peel back a few layers and you will see the true price we are paying for our comforts. Being responsible about travel is an urgent need for everyone. Let's not just sit and let a few crooked minds decide the truth for us. Let us travel, far and wide, and seek out the truth ourselves.

--- The author is Priya Tripathy who spends her time simmering over the blatant stupidity of humans that is costing the Earth its life. She can be reached at ekalpaviram@gmail.com.

Are you ready for the 2016 phenomenon?

First off, I would like to thanks all my readers for their continued support and feedback, I had no idea I could get the ball rolling so soon and get so far. And as the year 2015 comes to a close, I would like to reflect on some of the stories that caught my attention and yours. I promise to give you better stories next year and keep in touch.

LADAKH
2015 saw a record number of visitors to the region who left a trail of plastic and rubbish behind, despite knowing that there is no one to clean up after them. Our little initiative to encourage travellers to be more responsible is close to my heart and was well-received by you as well. http://ekalpaviram.blogspot.in/2015/10/why-i-chose-not-to-go-to-ladakh.html

IMAGE COURTESY: BRETT COLE

SHAHPUR JAT
The few remaining graffiti works left in Delhi urban village, Shahpur Jat, are fast fading. It is not just the loss of art and soeone's hard work that I rue. I see the lack of empathy on the part of the residents of the village who do not value the art. They are proo that art does not, in fact, affect everyone.
http://ekalpaviram.blogspot.in/2015/08/now-you-see-me.html

RAKHIGARHI
One of the most memorable adventures of the year that I have shared with you was the journey to Haryana. It was my maiden trip to the infamous state. I returned humbled, not only by the people but also having stood at the site of the largest Harappan site in the world. Ongoing expeditions will reveal the true extent of the heritage hidden in the folds of this hamlet.
http://ekalpaviram.blogspot.in/2015/09/i-drove-down-nh10-and-this-is-what-i.html

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
One of my biggst disappointments of the year, was the realisation that we have failed the Royal Bengal Tiger. While the government keeps announcing new buffer zones around the National Park, loud and irresponsible tourists have been scaring the animals away from their natural habitat. Not to forget instances of poaching and illegal felling of trees.
http://ekalpaviram.blogspot.in/2015/07/the-missing-king.html

BHANGARH
My effort at looking beyond the myths that surround the fort came as the blogpost which was read by many friends and made for great conversations as well. Instead of looking for ghosts, it might be a batter idea to look into the history that fort holds within. The fear you carry with you is all that will keep you scared.
http://ekalpaviram.blogspot.in/2015/12/bhangarh-beyond-curse.html

Looking forward to keeping you engaged through 2016 as well! Happy responsible travels!!

A divine palette

It's the end of a happy weekend here at Rishikesh and there's so much I am carrying back. Here are some images from Rishikesh.