Elephanta Caves at risk as sea-level rises

Kochi, May 29

India’s iconic Elephanta Caves, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva and an epitome of Hindu cave culture, is facing a long-term risk from sea-level rise, according to a study. The world heritage site consists of seven caves on an island close to Mumbai.

“India’s Elephanta Caves are one of 130 cultural World Heritage sites identified as being at long-term risk from sea-level rise,” the report titled ‘The World Heritage and Tourism in a Changing Climate’ said. It was published last week by the UN’s Environment Programme (UNEP), UNESCO, and the US-based Union of Concerned Scientists.

The report quoted a 2014 global analysis by researchers at the University of Innsbruck and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

The report also lists 31 natural and cultural World Heritage sites in 29 countries that are vulnerable to increasing temperatures, melting glaciers, rising seas, intensifying weather events, worsening droughts and longer wildfire seasons.

The Island of Elephanta, with decorated temples and images from Hindu mythology, bear a unique testimony to a civilisation that has disappeared. The date of the famous Elephanta Caves is still a matter of debate and varies from the sixth century to the eighth. — PTI