MAJULI ISLAND, ASSAM, INDIA, December 6, 2007: Undeterred by last year’s failure, India trying again to get UNESCO to name the picturesque Majuli island in Assam a World Heritage Site. The island is an important seat of Vaishnava culture. The Culture Ministry is tying all the loose ends to avoid the repetition of the petition’s rejection in 2006.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted a nomination in July 2006, but the committee found the information provided was insufficient and returned the proposal seeking additional information on the island. “This time, we are compiling the information and proper documentation with the help of experts,” said a senior ASI official.
Spread across 422 sq km on the Brahmaputra river, Majuli is the
largest freshwater island in South Asia. The island is home to the Vaishnavite “satras,” or monasteries constructed by saint Sankardeva. “However, not many exist now as the is land is facing the erosion from the mighty Brahmaputra,” said A K Sarma, Assam MP.