The Tonle
Sap river, which is in
Siem Reap, resembles a sea. The nation’s lake is one of the
geographical wonders of the world. It is an ecological marvel with
its extraordinary biodiversity and hydrology.
During the rains, the lake swells and inundates
the neighbouring forests and makes the soil fertile for cultivation.
The silt deposits increases the agricultural produce by leaps and
bounds. It is also South East Asia’s largest fresh water fishing
ground. The fishermen are able to catch 10 tonnes of fish which is
their livelihood. During the three months of spawning, fishermen do
not venture into the sea.
Fish species thriving in Tonle Sap are carp,
catfish, herring and others.
It is a bird watchers’ paradise and
ornithologists will have a visual treat watching the birds flocking
there.
My cruise on Tonle Sap will be etched in my
memory forever. A small area with boats and ship moving at snail’s
pace resemble a floating village.
For many of the natives, it is life on water.
Their houseboat is a self-contained vessel and has everything under
the sun. Most of the villagers thrive only on fishing. This area has
prospered and has had water transportation since ancient times.
Despite its natural splendour and architectural
marvels, the Pol Pot regime is an unpleasant part of the nation’s
history. Pol Pot was an autocrat who ruled Cambodia from 1975-79.He
mercilessly killed thousands of his fellow countrymen whom he
suspected of treachery. It is important to note that killer fields
are spread throughout the country. It is in the killer fields that
he gruesomely murdered many innocent men, women and children. It is
believed he killed several intelligent men and women who were of
great use to the country. The bones of the dead are kept in a museum
and kept for public viewing.
His memory still haunts the people of Cambodia
and the rest of the world. My guide had a horrid tale to narrate.
His grandparents were mercilessly dragged to the killer fields and
thrown into the fire pit. No one knows the reason for this gruesome
act.
Cambodia is slowly limping back to normalcy and
its citizens are slowly getting over the fear of the Pol Pot regime.
Great rivers have spawned the Cambodian
civilisation which is engraved in the annals of history.
Angkor Wat temples showcase the ethos of the region. Cambodia
boasts of antiquity that dates back to the Chola period. Its world
heritage sites attract people who flock in thousands to marvel at
its splendour.
The Tonle
Sap river, which is in
My cruise on Tonle Sap will be etched in my
memory forever. A small area with boats and ship moving at snail’s
pace resemble a floating village.
Cambodia is slowly limping back to normalcy and
its citizens are slowly getting over the fear of the Pol Pot regime.
