Index

1. Introduction
2. Geographical overview
2.1. Location and Accessibility.
2.2. Tropography.
2.3. Climates.
3. Historical Significance
3.1. Archeological Importance.
3.2. Cultural Heritage.
4. Biodiversity
4.1. Flora.
4.2. Fauna.
4.3. Conservation Efforts.
5. Ecological Significance
5.1. Biodiversity Hotspot
5.2. Natural Conservation and Habitat Preservation.
5.3. Climate Regulation and Oxygen Production.
5.4. Water Conservation and Soil Stability.
5.5. Support for Traditional Medicinal Practices.
6. Humans Impact and Conservation Challenges
7. Tourism and Its Role in Conservation
7.1. Raising Awareness and Preservation Effort.
7.2. Controlled Development and Environmental Conservation.
7.3. Education and Research Opportunities.
8. Challenges and the Need for Sustainable Tourism
9. Conclusion
 Biodiversity and Geography of Sri Surya Pahar

1. Introduction:
Sri Surya Pahar, located in the Goalpara district of Assam, India, is a site
of significant historical, geographical, and
ecological importance, known for its
archeological richness, with ancient
inscriptions, sculptures and rock formations.
This site is also home to a unique and diverse
ecosystem. Sri Surya Pahar stands as a
Figure i: Gateway of Sri Surya Pahar
testament to the cultural heritage of Assam while
showcasing a unique blend of diversity that warrants conservation efforts.
The site is centered on the hills of Sri Surya which is profusely filled up
with Shiva Lingas. People have found 99999 Shiva Lingas were engraved here
by Vyasa in order to build up a second Kashi (where there were 1,00000 Shiva
Lingas) and once its was one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the region.
The name of ‘Sri Surya Pahar’ implies that the site was perhaps
associated with the form of sun (Surya) worship.

2. Geographical overview:

2.1. Location and Accessibility: Sri Surya Pahar is situated

approximately 12 kilometers from the town of Goalpara and is easily
accessible by road. Its geographic coordinates position it within the
lower Brahmaputra Valley, contributing to its unique environmental and
ecological attributes.
2.2. Topography: The topography of Sri Surya Pahar is dominated by
rocky terrain and hillocks. It stands out as a small hill formation amidst
the otherwise flat landscape of the Goalpara district, creating a natural
ecosystem that supports various flora and fauna. The unique and
landscape includes numerous rock-cut sculptures and caves.
 2.3. Climate: Sri Surya Pahar experiences a subtropical climate,
characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The region
receives substantial rainfall during the monsoon season, which plays a
significant role is supporting the local biodiversity. The climate
condition favor various species of plants, birds and other wildlife,
contributing to the area’s ecological richness.

3. Historical Significant:

3.1. Archeological Importance: Sri Surya Pahar is an ancient

archeological site with sculptures and rock carvings, including
numerous sun icons that illustrate the site’s historical significance as a
sun-worship center. Some relics date back to the Mauryan era, and the
site contains inscriptions and carvings of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
origins.
3.2. Cultural Heritage: The region is an intersection of religious
influences, evidenced by the coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
elements in the sculptures and artifacts found at Sri Surya Pahar. This
cultural diversity has made it a significant place of study for historians
and archeologists.

Figure ii : Shiv Temple at Sri Surya Pahar

 Figure iii: Jain Temple at Sri Surya Pahar

4. Biodiversity:
Sri Surya Pahar is also known for its rich biodiversity, which includes a
variety of flora and fauna that have adapted to the region’s climate and
geography.

4.1. Flora: The flora of Sri Surya Pahar primarily includes deciduous
trees, shrubs and grasses typical of the subtropical regions of Assam.
Key plant species include:
• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Sal (Shorea robusta)
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Bamboo species.
• Shrubs, herbs and grasses also flourish, contributing to a complex
ecosystem that supports various animal species. Some of these plants are
considered medicinal and hold traditional value in local communities.

Figure iv: A glimpse into its vibrant Flora

 4.2. Fauna: The fauna in Sri Surya Pahar is diverse, comprising various
bird species, mammals, reptiles and insects. Notable animal species
include:
• Birds: Common myna, Bulbuls, Parrots.
• Mammals: Jackals, monkeys and wild boars.
• Reptiles: Various species of snakes and lizards, adapted to the rocky
terrain.

Figure v: Monkey in Sri Surya Pahar

The diversity of Sri Surya Pahar is essential for maintaining ecological

balance and supports several species that are native to the region.

4.3. Conservation Efforts:

Due to the unique biodiversity of the region, several conservation
efforts have been initiated. Local authorities, along with non-governmental
organizations, have worked to promote biodiversity conservation by controlling
deforestation, preserving water resources and protecting wildlife habitats.
However, more rigorous efforts are needed to maintain a sustainable ecosystem,
given the impact of human activities. Key conservation efforts for Sri Surya Pahar
includes:

4.3.1. Archeological Protection: Efforts by the Archeological

Survey of India (ASI) aim to preserve and restore the ancient rock-cut
sculptures, stupas and carvings unique to Sri Surya Pahar. Protection
 measures help prevent vandalism and weather-related damage to
these historical artifacts.
4.3.2. Biodiversity Conservation: Sri Surya Pahar is home to
diverse flora and fauna, requiring measures to protect the natural
landscape from deforestation, illegal logging and habitat destruction.
Local forest departments and environmental organizations are
involved in monitoring and maintaining the area’s ecological balance.
4.3.3. Awareness and Community: Educating local communities
and visitors about the significance of Sri Surya Pahar encourages
sustainable tourism and conservation practices. Community
engagement initiatives help local to understand the cultural and
ecological importance of the site, making them active stakeholders in
its position.
4.3.4. Government and NGO: To effectively conserve Sri Surya
Pahar, partnerships between government agencies (like the
Archeological Survey of India), and non-government organizations are
essential. These collaborations bring in funding, expertise and
resources for conservation projects. By working together, they can
address various needs, such as protecting archeological sites,
preserving biodiversity and supporting local communities all, while
ensuring that development is balanced with conservation goals.
5. Ecological Significance:
Sri Surya Pahar’s biodiversity contributes to the ecological stability of
the area. It holds significant ecological values due to its diverse flora and fauna,
unique landscape and role in supporting local diversity. Here are some key
aspects of its ecological significance:

5.1. Biodiversity Hotspot:

• Sri Surya Pahar is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of flora and
fauna. The area is home to medicinal plants, shrubs and trees
that are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
• It provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including various bird
species, small mammals contributing to the region’s overall
biodiversity.
 5.2. Natural Conservation and Habitat Preservation:
• The region’s vegetation acts as a natural buffer that protects
against soil erosion, especially important given its hilly terrain.
• Preserving this natural environment helps maintain habitat
connectivity, allowing wildlife to thrive and contributing to the
overall health of local ecosystems.
5.3. Climate Regulation and Oxygen Production:
• The dense vegetation in Sri Surya Pahar plays a significance
role in regulating the local climate. Tress and plants absorb
Carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas effects
while producing oxygen.

5.4. Water Conservation and Soil Stability:

• The forest cover in Sri Surya Pahar aids in water conservation
by increasing soil permeability, allowing rainwater to sleep in
and replenish groundwater reserves.
• Vegetation in the area also plays a crucial role in stabilizing the
soil, reducing the risk of landslides and helping prevent soil
degradation.
5.5. Support for Traditional Medicinal Practices:
• The region’s medicinal plants are valuable for traditional
health practices, benefiting both local communities and
preserving biodiversity.
• These plants are often used in traditional medicines and their
conservation is essential for both ecological and cultural
heritage.
In essence, Sri Surya Pahar is ecologically significance due to its biodiversity, its
role in conservation and its contribution to climates stability and water
management. The site’s natural environment supports ecological health and
provides an opportunity to blend cultural heritage with sustainable ecological
practices, making it a valuable asset for the region.
6. Human Impact and Conservation Challenges:
Human activities, including tourism, urban expansion and
deforestation, have posed significant threats to the biodiversity of Sri Surya Pahar.
Encroachment and the collection of plants for traditional medicine purpose of
native species. Addressing these challenges requires a sustainable conservation
approach, with emphasis on community involvement and environmental
education.

7. Tourism and Its Role in Conservation:

Tourism plays a crucial role in the conservation of Sri Surya Pahar by
raising awareness, generating funds for preservation and fostering local pride in
this culturally and ecologically significant site. Here’s how tourism contributes to
its conservation:

7.1. Raising Awareness and Preservation Effort: Tourism can play a

crucial role in raising awareness about Sri Surya Pahar’s historical
significance. As more people visit the site, the cultural and religious
value of this heritage becomes better known, leading to a greater
understanding of the importance of its preservation. Increased
awareness also encourages local and international organization to
invest in conservation efforts.
7.2. Controlled Development and Environmental conservation:
With responsible tourism, authorities can ensure that development
around the area respects the sites natural and historical significance.
Infrastructure improvements, like better roads, signage and
visitor facilities can be carefully planned to avoid damage to the
archaeological sites and natural environment.
7.3. Educational and Research Opportunities: Increased tourism
brings more researchers, historians and archeologists interested in
studying Sri Surya Pahar. Their research can lead to new findings,
enhancing the site’s historical significance and reinforcing the need for
its preservation.
 Additionally, educational programs for visitor can instill
respect for the heritage and inspire conservation minded tourism.

8. Challenges and the Need for Sustainable Tourism:

While tourism has significant potential to aid conservation efforts, it
also poses risks if not managed sustainably. Overcrowding, pollution and
potential damage to ancient structures are concerns that need to be mitigated.
Implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as visitor limits, strict waste
management and protective measures around delicate artifacts, is essential to
ensure that Sri Surya Pahar is preserved for further generations.
In conclusion, tourism has the potential to support the conservation of Sri Surya
Pahar by raising awareness, generating revenue and involving local communities.
However, sustainable practices must be emphasized to protect this invaluable
cultural heritage.

9. Conclusion:
Sri Surya Pahar in Goalpara stands as a remarkable site of
geographical, cultural and ecological significance. The region’s rich biodiversity
highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect both the ecological balance
and the historical legacy. Sustainable tourism, community participation and
continued research are essential in preserving this unique ecosystem. Properly
managed, Sri Surya Pahar can serve as an example of how historical and natural
heritage can be conserved harmoniously.