INTACH

THE HERITAGE CLUB NEWSLETTER VOL. 7 No. 3 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2010

From Us to U
Hello Friends! All is not well with our planet. The earth is heating up steadily. We all know that, you may say, global warming is literally a hot topic these days. But did you know that our heritage is bearing the brunt of the rapidly changing climate? Our natural, built and intangible heritage is struggling to cope with rapid environmental changes. If we remain so casual in our attitudes, will the heritage we have remain intact? We know you all are worried about global warming. Thank you for sending us your ideas on how we can make the earth a happy planet. Pg. 6-7 is a poster lled with ideas on how to cool down the earth. Small and conscious changes in our daily lives will go a long way in reducing the horrible heat producing gases in our atmosphere. Pg. 9 has an exciting activity for you all. So put your thinking caps on and send us your entries! Kudos to you all for sending us your wonderful essays, slogans and art work. A pat on the back for all the Heritage Clubs that keep us posted about their monthly activities. On Pg. 10, read about a few of the fantastic projects your fellow Young INTACH friends are doing. It really is time that we become Heritage warriors from Heritage worriers! After all, we owe it to the planet!

Global Warming Heritage Warning

WAKING UP TO A WARMER WORLD
Global Warming is making headlines day and night, Just take a look around you and you will see a very disappointing sight. The Earth is thinking that for it we humans are a bane, Because soon its trees will no longer remain. The countries will drown as the ice caps will melt, But even then the impact on human minds will not be felt. For students, including me, it is an extra chapter to read, And to which we dont pay any heed. Many people think it is an overblown topic, I dont think they will understand even when their drinking water becomes toxic. Go out and ask if there is any person who is ready, To help our beautiful Earth that is so needy, Only we are responsible for the Earths downfall, Wake up citizens of the world, it is time to act. The Earth is depressed and now it is a fact.
by Garvita Wadhwa, Std. 5, V.V.D.A.V Public School, New Delhi

Welcome!
New heritage club members from Kakinada, Trivandrum, Gangtok, Ambala, Pondicherry and Amritsar. Have fun discovering more about our heritage!

CONTENTS
Waking up to a warmer world Climate change & Global Warming Global Warming = Heritage Warning 1 2 3,4,5 Kidspeak

Illustration by Dikshita, Std. 5, V.V. D.A.V Public School, New Delhi

Global Warming Poster Pull Out

6-7 8 9

Heritage News, People Who Care Subscription Form Prize Winners, Whats Next?

10 11 12

Tte--tte with the last tiger

10

11

12

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING

Consider these facts: What is Global Warming?
The earths climate has never been constant; it has changed through the ages. But the change in climate that were experiencing now is rapid and is termed Global warming. It is the slow but dangerous changing of the Earths temperature, climate and many other factors affecting our lives.
Kamini Hari, Std 8, Delhi Public School, Gurgaon

Since 1980, the Earth has experienced 19 of the 20 hottest years on record.

In the last 250 years, there has been a massive increase in the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The emission of nitrous oxide has risen by 15%, and methane and CO2 each by a whopping 50%. And the only greenhouse gas produced naturally is water vapour!

The largest amount of greenhouse gas emission, almost 80% - comes from the energy sector.

Why is the Globe Warming?

The earth is kept warm due to the Greenhouse Effect without which it would be a frozen waste land. The short wavelengths or ultraviolet radiations coming from the sun penetrate the atmosphere and are absorbed by the earth. This absorbed energy is also radiated back to space at infrared wavelengths. The atmosphere contains gases that trap some of the outgoing radiations and thereby warm the earth. These gases are known as Greenhouse Gases. Water-vapour, carbondioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous-oxide CFCs are examples. CFCs chlorofluorocarbons are chemical compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. These are harmful for the ozone layer. CFCs are released from aerosol sprays, old-time refrigerators and with the production of foams. The increase in the quantity of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can reinforce the greenhouse effect and lead to global warming.
Ankita Tewari, Std 9, S.P.S.E.C, Kamla Nagar, Kanpur

Each year, manufacturing cement gives out 5 - 10% of the worlds total carbon-di-oxide emissions.

The single biggest challenge facing the conservation of world heritage is climate change, as it threatens the culture and way of life for many countries.
- Simon Molesworth, Chairman International National Trusts Organization (INTO)

10

11

12

VOL. 7 No. 3

GLOBAL WARMING = HERITAGE WARNING

It is alarming to know that the care-taker of the worlds heritage, UNESCO, says that a whopping 830 natural and man-made sites are under threat due to Global Warming. Let us see a few examples:

Communities and Intangible Heritage under threat

India has a long coastline with over 7 million people living in coastal cities. People of coastal communities are under threat with sea-levels rising steadily. Rise in water of the Indian Ocean will submerge their homes and natural habitat. Their culture, heritage and way of life too will be wiped off forever. The Lakshwadweep, comprising of tiny low-lying islands, are at risk from being inundated by sea- level rises associated with global warming. These islands are less that 1 m above sea level.
Nipun Singhal, Std. 5, V.V.D.A.V Public School

Fruits Yum Yum no more? Warmer days of early spring results in early ripening of certain fruits grown in Kashmir and they do not taste that good anymore. Fruits like apple, pear, cherry, almond, walnuts etc. are particularly affected and so are vegetables like Nelumbo (Nadroo) and Trapa (Singara). Acid rains due to global warming damage plants. In our Punjab, sarson daa saag te makki ki roti are not as pure and tasty as they used to be.
Manav Sharma, Std. 10, B.S.L.P.S, Amritsar

Q 4 U This country, comprised of tiny islands and famous for the most breath-taking beaches in the world may be submerged under water if the ocean-levels keep rising. Name it. _A_ _I_E_

The Ganga rivers source Gangotri glacier is under the combined impact of global warming, deforestation and rampant tourism. The glacier has shrunk by almost a kilometre in the last three decades. The mighty and holy river may be reduced to a rain-fed stream in the future. With this, the holy cities, culture and beliefs of the people will also dry out.
Sudesh Unniraman, The Agony of the Ganga, CMS Vatavaran, Environment and Wildlife Festival 2009

The mountain communities of Ladakh are struggling to adapt and survive in their rapidly changing environmental conditions. Local people, mostly elderly are bewildered at the climactic changes they are seeing in their lifetime. Floods, storms, receding glaciers (the only source of freshwater for the people) are all playing havoc with the livelihoods and lifestyle of the people of Ladakh.
Stanzin Dorjai-Gya, Living with Change, WWF India, CMS Vatavaran, Environement and Wildlife Festival 2009

Q 4 U Name as many cities/towns along the Ganga that you think will be affected by the Gangas deterioration.

Songs, dances, poems and festivals related to nature are disappearing as climactic cycles get bizarre. Not only this, handicrafts related with forest produce are also on the decline due to a decline in raw material. Thinking of buying a birthday gift? Help crafts people and the earth by buying traditional, eco-friendly handicrafts instead of machine-made goods.

DID YOU KNOW?

1 2 3 4

According to the World Health Organization, conditions directly related to climate change cause 5 million illnesses every year
Mudita Chawla, Std 6, V.V.D.A.V Public School, New Delhi

10

11

12

Flora and Fauna endangered

Changing climate means that animals are forced out of their natural homes and have to adapt to new habitats. Plant species are also struggling to cope with bewildering temperature changes. The majestic Bengal tiger, one of the most beautiful animals in the world used to thrive in the Sunderbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. But with sea levels rising and several islands being swallowed up by the ocean, where will the Bengal Tiger live? In a few decades, furry snow white polar bears and happyfeet penguins may just be seen in animation movies if their homes glaciers, continue to melt due to global warming.

20 species of frogs and toads disappeared from the forests of Costa Rica in South America. This is because the skin of amphibians absorbs pollutants easily. Acid rain is damaging trees and forests that are natural sinks for the absorption of harmful gases

The krill, a small creature living in ice sheets is under grave danger due to rising temperatures. The Red Panda and the Snow Leopard in the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal have become rare due to the retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas. Many beautiful species of fish and 70 percent of the worlds coral reefs are under threat, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is just one example. Shrinkage and weed infestation in the water bodies has compelled many migratory birds to search for new refuges outside the Kashmir valley. Make your home a haven for creatures. Put out fresh water for birds everyday and grow colourful flowers that butterflies love.

Q 4 U Toads and frogs are dying leaving behind young tadpoles because of _O_ _U_IO_.

With Inputs from Ms. Urfana Amin Moharken, Teacher, DIET, Srinagar

10

11

12

VOL. 7 No. 3

Man-Made Heritage At Risk

ly. Rainfall patterns are changing considerably. Monsoons are becoming erratic and more intense, causing greater oods. This can harm tage. precious, centuries-old architectural heritage. Man-made heritage such as the Chan-Chan Archaeological Park in Peru may not be spared due to erratic rains and flooding. If coastal cities get submerged sea-front forts and other buildings are in grave danger. The cities of London, Venice and Prague and their architectural structures may be under threat eat at due to flooding. Because of global warming there is acid rain, and nd because of acid rain, the marble of the Taj Mahal is al becoming yellow-brown, which is known as marble cancer.
Rishab Kapoor, Std. 9, B. S.L P.S, Amritsar

Q 4 U The Taj Mahal was severely affected due to horrible toxic gases and acid rain. This was due to the _A_ _U_A / OI_ / _E_I_E_Y

A simple lack of knowledge is another cause of global warming. We need to teach the children of today the problems of energy consumption and global warming.
Tushar Aggrawal, Std. 4, V.V.D.A.V Public School, Vikaspuri, New Delhi

Why TerraGreen?
TerraGreen is a monthly magazine dedicated to disseminating information and knowledge on issues related to environment, energy, and sustainable development. It informs and educates its readers about the impact of their actions on the environment and on the human race as a whole. And it does so in a simple and reader-friendly way. So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe now!

Special offer for limited period

Buy online at http://bookstore.teriin.org

Terra reen
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Tick One Term (Yes) No. of Issues Cover Price Rs 1 2 3 12 24 36 480 960 1440 You Pay You Save US$ 18 48 108 17% 22% 30% % Saving US$ Rs 120 240 360 400 750 1000 US$ Rs 102 192 252 80 210 440

For subscription queries, contact: Kakali Ghosh Tel. 2468 2100/4150 4900 Fax 2468 2144/2468 2145 India: +91 Delhi: (0) 11 E-mail teripress@teri.res.in Web www.teriin.org or write to... The Energy and Resources Institute Attn: TERI Press Darbari Seth Block IHC Complex, Lodhi Road New Delhi 110003, India

10

11

12

ME

My Family

My Friends
WHAT CAN I DO TO SAVE MY

You dont have to wait till you are grown up to do something about global warming.

What can I do in my house, with my family or friends?

Turn off the lights. Dont leave appliances on standby mode. Buy electrical products that save energy. Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner. Replace all regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL). Youll save many trees from being cut as CFLs use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. Buy fewer gadgets. Share with your family as the disposal of gadgets is a big problem. Always make sure your car/scooter is pollution checked and minimize travelling by your vehicle. Walking is healthy for you and your environment. Check your tyres. Keeping your tyres inflated properly can improve your car's mileage by more than 3% and you'll save petrol. Use public transport. CNG and LPG buses are a good counter force to gas-guzzling vehicles such as cars, scooters or motorcycles. Take the metro for clean air. Take shorter showers or baths. Heating water uses energy and long baths mean more water wastage. Stop being a junk food junkie. Avoid food that comes in plastic packets. You wont be adding unnecessary garbage to the Earth. Buy fresh food. Frozen food uses ten times more energy in the cooking process. Cover your pots while cooking. Even better are pressure cookers and steamers, which save around 70% energy required normally. A solar cooker is also a must for ecofriendly cooking, as it utilizes solar energy. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Recycle stuff like plastic bottles, cans, newspapers, etc. Ensure that the waste or kachra generated in your house is segregated into biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. Ban the use of plastic bags in your home. Use a canvas bag when you go shopping. Grow fast-growing plants. Plants like bamboo grow much faster than other trees, and produce 35% more oxygen. Do you know malls are one of the biggest consumers of electricity and water. We think a picnic, museum or planetarium visit is far more fun. When building/renovating your house, as far as possible, use locally available materials. Also, avoid lead based paints.

With inputs from Radhika Batra, Std 8, Bhavya, Std 5, Yadarth S. Gurung, Std 4, Srishti Kasturia, Std 7, V.V.D.A.V Public School, New Delhi; Sankalp, Std 5, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Kamini Hari, Std 8, Delhi Public School, Gurgaon; Aditya Krishnan, 7.2, Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai; Sukhbir Kaur, Std 9, S.P.S.E.C, Kamla Nagar, Kanpur

My Neighbourhood
PLANET AND ITS HERITAGE?

My School

the chain doesnt end here Everybody can help stop global warming by just using less non-renewable energy.

I bought home a cool earthenware matka. Now, electricity or no electricity, no problem! Drinking water out of a matka is just the rst of many changes I am going to make to make the globe a cooler place to live.

What can I do in my school?

Demand a green school programme in your school. Know how much energy and water your school uses. Start a carpool with your classmates. Sharing a ride with someone just twice a week will reduce your CO2 emissions drastically. Does your school use an oil-guzzling, smoke exhaling generator? Make sure that the bulbs and tube-lights fitted in your school are energy-saving. Ask your school authorities to set up a rainwater harvesting plant to conserve water.

What can I do in my neighbourhood?

Make sure no safai karamcharis in your neighbourhood burn leaves and garbage. This gives rise to dangerous fumes that pollute the air. Spread awareness in your neighbourhood. Ensure that your neighbours know the advantages of simple energy conservation techniques such as switching to CFL bulbs, recycling products, etc. By coordinating smart garbage disposal techniques (separating recyclable garbage from biodegradable products) in your neighbourhood, you can drastically reduce land pollution and ineffective garbage disposal. Does your neighbours car/ motorcycle/scooter look like it has not been pollution checked for ages? Do you see your neighbour giving their car a wash everyday? Speak to them about the hazards of pollution and the importance of water.

So let us not warmly welcome Global Warming; lets give it the cold shoulder instead!

We have already made the world an ice cream cone. Dont make the day hotter!

Parul Bhardwaj, Std. 9, Gita Convent School, Faridabad

Not less than any monster, global warming is not only a threat to mankind but also to all living organisms we know today!

Aditya Krishnan, Std. 7.2, Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai, ReConnect Illustration by Dikshita, V.V. DAV Public School, New Delhi

Himanshu Kalra, Std. 9, V.V.D.A.V Public School New Delhi

Arnav Ghosh, Std. 7.2 Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai

Global Warming is far too serious for the world to any longer ignore its danger or split into opposing factors on it.
Shreya Bansal, Std. 7, Bhavans S.L. Public School, Amritsar

Plastics choke the Earth like cholesterol chokes the arteries of a human heart

Kidspeak

One can say that the Earth is just like a solar cooker which can trap the heat but cannot let it escape. So, it is our duty to ensure that the environment around us is not harmed in any way, so as to live a long and happy life.

S. Sowmiya, Std. 8, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Chennai

Nikita Khanna, Std. 7, Bhavans S.L. Public School, Amritsar

B. Lavanya, Std. 8, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Chennai

When we visit a doctor he records our temperature and if it is higher than the normal body temperature of 98.6 C, it means that we are not well. Similarly, when the temperature of our planet increases, it means that our planet is unwell too!
o

Rahul Singhal, Std. 4, V.V.D.A.V Public School New Delhi

Twinkle twinkle little star, I cant see where you are. All the smoke in the sky Makes you hide and makes me cry.

10

11

12

VOL. 7 No. 3

TETE-A-TETE WITH THE LAST TIGER IN SUNDERBANS

There were about 40,000 tigers in India a century ago. A government census report published this year says the tiger population has fallen to 1,411, down from 3,642 in 2002, largely due to dwindling habitat and poaching. Global warming, as we told you, is eating up the natural habitat of tigers in the Sunderbans. As sea levels rise, mangroves are overexposed to salt water. Many plants have lost their red and green colours and are more like bare twigs, exposing tigers to poachers who hunt them for their skin and bones. This is also forcing the tigers to move out of their natural habitat and into villages where people live, leading to man-animal conflicts. By 2070, the sea levels near Bangladesh will rise 11 inches, submerging 96% of the Bengal tiger habitat. This provides space for only 20 breeding pairs, which is not enough to sustain the population.
Source: http://southasia.oneworld.net/todaysheadlines/ tiger-attacks-linked-to-global-warming
Illustration by R. Reshma, Std. 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Chennai

Imagine that you are a wildlife journalist. Your mission is to go and look for the last tiger that is surviving in the Sunderbans. When you meet him, speak to him about the changes that he has experienced in the climate. How does he feel? What else will you ask him?
Send us your conversation with the Big Cat. The most creative ve interviews will get prizes. Do not forget to make a drawing of your exciting encounter with the tiger.

10

11

12

HERITAGE NEWS
Great ideas from INTACH Heritage Clubs
The Parampara Heritage Club started by the Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Matriculation Higher Secondary School has launched an extraordinary initiative to reach out to the under privileged children of the society and involve them in various cultural activities. Three teachers along with the high school coordinator visited the Kalpattu Village on 15th February 2010. With the support from a local NGO Kalanjiyam the school decided to set up heritage clubs in two schools of the village. The clubs INTACH Kiramia Heritage Club of Lathur Panchayat Middle School and the INTACH Sangamam Heritage Club of Government High School, Zamin Endathur, were formally inaugurated on 26th February 2010. Bravo, Parampara Heritage Club!

INTACH Warangal Chapter

Prof. M. Pandu Ranga Rao of INTACH Warangal Chapter sensitized young boys and girls in different schools and colleges to spread awareness about climate change and global warming.

PEOPLE WHO CARE

Indias Greenest Building
The CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad is one of the greenest buildings in the world; the first outside the United States, and only the third in the world, awarded a Platinum LEED rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Why so? The building plan makes the following environmentfriendly stats possible: 88 percent less artificial lighting than normal buildings 80 percent of building materials are recycled or recyclable 50 percent energy savings compared to a normal building 35 percent reduction in potable water use
Source: http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/ energy_co2/energy_efficiency/green_business_centre.html

Green Games
We can proudly say that the upcoming XIX Common Wealth games in Delhi will be friendly to the environment. Minimum energy will be consumed with solar heating, LED and CFL light fixtures. Water will be saved using rainwater harvesting systems, sensors in fixtures and re-using waste water for flushing and horticulture. Organisations like Greenpeace, CEE, TERI and WWF work towards slowing down climate change. Go to http://www.greenpeace.org/india/ fungames/games to play fun games and learn more about the environment.
Illustration by R. Manisha Bala Rathy, Std. 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Chennai

10

11

12

VOL. 7 No. 3

INTACH
YOUR STORY CAN PUT YOU ON TV !!
Participate in the My City My History Programme.
a. Find out a fascinating untold story about a historic location / art / craft in your city b. Pen it down as a story within 750 words. You can support it with a photograph or drawing c. Submit your entry to www.foxhistory.com/mycity or send it to:

MY CITY MY HISTORY C/o INTACH 71, Lodhi Estate New Delhi -110003
d. Winners will be seen by the entire nation on FOX History & Entertainment Channel with their story e. All the participants will receive a participation certicate For more information about the programme log on to www.foxhistory.com/mycity.

Subscribe To :

INTACH

Name __________________________________________________________________ School Address / Individual Address ___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________ State _________________________________ Subscription Amount - Rs. 100 (4 issues) English Hindi

Demand Draft No. ______________ Dated ______________ Drawn On (Bank) __________ _________________________________For Rs. ________________________________ All Payments to be made by Demand Draft in favour of INTACH and drawn on the following banks, payable at par : SBI/ICICI/Canara/Standard Chartered Bank Signature _________________ Date __________________ Place _________________

10

11

12

PRIZE WINNERS
Kamini Hari, Std 8, Delhi Public School, Gurgaon Ankita Tewari, Std 9, Sukhbir Kaur, Std 9, S.P.S.E.C, Kamla Nagar, Kanpur Rishab Kapoor, Std 9, Manav Sharma, Std 10, Shreya Bansal, Std 7, Nikita Khanna, Std 7, Bhavans S.L. Public School, Amritsar Tushar Aggrawal, Std 4, Garvita Wadhwa, Std 5, Dikshita, Std 5, Himanshu Kalra, Std 9, Rahul Singhal, Std 4, Nipun Singhal, Std 5, Radhika Batra, Std 8, Bhavya, Std 5, Yadarth S. Gurung, Std 4, Srishti Kasturia, Std 7, Mudita Chawla, Std 6, V.V.D.A.V Public School, Vikaspuri, New Delhi Aditya Krishnan, Std 7.2, Arnav Ghosh, 7.2 Ecole Mondiale World School, Mumbai, ReConnect Parul Bhardwaj, Std 9, Gita Convent School, Faridabad B. Lavanya, Std 8, R.Reshma, Std 9, S. Sowmiya, Std 8, R. Manisha Bala Rathy, Std. 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai Sankalp, Std 5, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

WHAT'S NEXT?
October-December 2010
Languishing Languages India is a land where hundreds of languages and local dialects are spoken. These languages are in grave danger of being lost as few children learn to speak the language of their forefathers. Today only a few know Sanskrit, the mother of major Indian languages. Do you speak your mother-tongue? Find out and write to us about lives and works of famous writers of the language that you speak. Write a small poem or paragraph (not more than a page) in your mother-tongue with an English translation. Last date for entries: August 15, 2010 What you can write on: Your mother tongue and why you like it Famous regional writers (their life, their works) Idioms/ sayings in your language Write a paragraph on an endangered language How can we stop languages from disappearing?

FEEDBACK
Do you have any ideas, comments or suggestions to make Young INTACH more interesting? We welcome any thoughts on what themes you would like us to select for the upcoming issues of Young INTACH. Please write to: Shobita Punja Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) 71, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003 Tel: (011) 24641304, 24645482 Fax: (011) 24611290 Email: youngintach@gmail.com Website: www.intach.org
References Know Climate Change, TERI, Pearson Longman, 2008 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, TERI, Pearson Longman, 2008 101 Q & A on Climate Change,TERI, Pearson Longman, 2008 CMS, Vatavaran, 2009 We hold our future, UNEP, CEE and SAYEN, 2007 We are grateful to the Ministry of Culture for sponsoring Young INTACH, a quarterly heritage newsletter for and by children that has about 20,000 readers and the number keeps on going higher with each issue. Credits Vinod Aggarwal Purnima Datt

January-March 2011
Sacred Spaces Some of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring and enduring buildings of the world are places of worship. All the major religions of India Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism and Judaism have magnificent architecture. Write to us about one religious building of your city/region that you like. Describe it in your own words. Send us your sketches/paintings. Last Date for entries: November 15, 2010
Illustrations Diva Gujral Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on DiscoverySchool.com Circulation and Subscription Payal Joshi Design & Printing Colorcom Advertising Hindi Translation Sanjay Bharadwaj Payal Joshi

Editorial, Research and Compilation Sonali Dhingra Diva Gujral

10

11

12