Mount Abu gets respite from heavy rains.

Yesterday and today we got to see the sunlight to the delight of the Abuites as houses needed the sunlight to get rid of the murky and mushy smell that inherently takes place during the monsoon season. Fungus and molds is a common feature more so when there is seepage in homes due to the heavy and constant rainfall. I mounted my iron steed and took advantage of the clear day to take some photographs that caught my fancy. Have a look at some after the rains shots.

Crocodile basking in the sun

New sign Beware of the crock

After the rains

The small lake at Alwar Palace

Any one for crab soup?

There are even bigger ones

Gosh the cable sure held.

Keep in touch will keep you updated on the monsoons.

Stamp collecting a revival of bygone collections Mt. Abu

A stamp collector's triumph in Mt. Abu: Rediscovering the Art of Philately.

A hidden jewel of love and commitment has revitalised the age-old art of stamp collecting in the small town of Mt. Abu, where time appears to stand still. On August 28, 2010, I received an offer from a former student, a senior in the community, to see a collection that promised to exceed all expectations.

As I entered Raman’s world as a seasoned philatelist, I couldn’t help but wonder at the treasure trove he had accumulated over the years. What I had rejected as a fad as a youngster was now a vibrant and intriguing activity. Raman’s stamp collection was a spectacular journey through time, culture, and the complex world of postal history.

Raman’s collection of stamps ranged from first-day covers to the interesting Bhutanese gramophone record stamps, a rarity that spoke volumes about his dedication to this one-of-a-kind pastime. Postcards adorned the space, narrating stories from all over the world and creating a captivating tale of human connection through mail.

Raman’s incredible collection of Indian stamps was the true showstopper. Each stamp seemed to tell its own tale, representing India’s rich fabric of history, culture, and variety. Raman's collection presents a pictorial narrative of the nation's journey, featuring the crafted complete stamps and the commemorative stamps that highlight major events. 

The invitation is accessible to individuals who are fascinated and ready to interact with Raman, the mastermind behind this unique assembly. Click “Contact Him” to enter the realm of stamps, where each piece is a minor masterpiece laden with history and personal connection.

I couldn’t help but think about the resurrection of the stamp collecting in our midst as I left Raman’s house that day. In Mt. Abu, a new advocate has emerged for what was previously viewed as a bygone activity. Raman’s collection showed that, even in today’s era, there is still a place for the tactile, ancient, and complicated world of philately.

The Polo Pavilion Mount Abu

Raman's collection of postcard

Picture of Radhi

Rajiv Gandhi

Sai Baba

Bhutan 

Jayadeva and

Guru Grant Sahib

1s day cover

The wandering Crocodile Mt. Abu

The Wandering Crock

This is my temporary domain

Santsarovar water body opp Palace Hotel

The crocodile you see above is probably from the heart of the sanctuary “Trevor’s Tank”. Every monsoon this wandering crocodile make his way to a small water body called ‘Santsarovar’ opposite the Place Hotel. This small water body is adjacent to the ‘Santsarovar’ temple, the priests and the students that live there are at home with this crock as he is a non- interfering creature. When the water level recedes during the summer months this nomadic creature makes its way back to the Trevor’s Tank overnight a distance of about 3 odd km

Nakki Lake the Life Line of Mount Abu

Implement strict rules to observe while visiting Nakki Lake. Mt Abu.

Nakki Lake from Toad rock 

To save Nakki Lake, the following 20 suggestions should be implemented.

1. Water should be the only priority for any action

2, There should be a total ban on constriction in a vicinity of one kilometre from the centre of the lake forever except for repair.

3. No Planting of trees by anyone except the forest department or any other decoration done around the lake, as this always gives temptation to forget about the water and think about the rest of the things.

4. Only fog lights should be used so as not to disturb the beauty of the lake and the starry sky above; if lights are needed, they should be only the footlight securely placed to light the road a little, thus not disturbing the nocturnal animal movement like that of bats, Bear, leopard, etc. Flying foxes and bats skimming the lake for water.

Flying foxes and bats skimming the lake for water.

5. Except for soft pleasant music for a fixed duration in the evenings, there should be no noise in and around the lake

6. All vehicles except those for emergency service be allowed ever in and around the lake.

7 No one should carry eatables in the lake while boating. I’ve observed tourists drinking beer while boating.

8. Anyone littering the lake or its surrounding should be  penealized and heavily fined.

9. Immersion of many objects, including Idols be prohibited

10. An expert organization on lake cleansing should keep our lake clean and free of any rubbish that can contaminate our precious water.

11. Penalise those who bathe and wash clothes in the lake 

11. There should be round-the-clock cleaning of the lake as it’s done on all hill stations.

13. Special security guards from the municipality should be employed to watch and protect the lake from tourists throwing garbage and bottles into the lake.

14. All unnecessary structures be demolished around the lake.

15. No cattle be allowed in and around the lake.

16. Life Jackets should be mandatory on all boats plying in the lake as 90% of tourists do not know swimming..

17. Poaching of fish should be stopped. Broken fishing lines are a danger to the aquatic life in the lake.

18. No one should dispose of paint thinners or chemical products around the lake.

19. Do not feed the ducks, geese, grass carp or other wildlife.

20. OPEN ALL THE CLOGGED CATHMENTS IMMEDIATELY

An update on The Water Harvesting Mount Abu.

This update has come because of one comment passed by an Anonymous follower “throwing pearl before swine”. Since readers feel so strongly about this action taken by our intellectuals to fill the lake with tankers I decided to do a little research on the prevailing situation. So here goes:

1. It would take 12 lakh litres of water to raise the level of the lake water by 1cm. This would evaporate in 15 days of good sunshine and low humidity. Don’t believe me, ask your engineers to do the calculations!!

2. To raise the lake level by 1 foot of water, it would require 3 crores litres of water, which would require 9 months to achieve this target; by then, the rains will be upon us once more.

3. The amount of carbon emission from these tractors playing across Abu ferrying water to and fro is sure to influence this Eco-sensitive Zone.

4. The cost incurred for this project, well only after the project is finished will there be numbers to present.

5. Water harvesting means induction, collection, storage, and conservation. Induction is not possible in Mount Abu because of a lack of technology and funds. Collection and storage are a must which has to be complemented with conservation. If the last part is lost, the effort becomes futile.

As a result, the project to fill the lake with tanker water is mostly a waste of diesel and an opposite contribution to local air pollution. The idea behind this is that they are feeding the lake with water, which will evaporate.

Drought is a natural occurrence in Rajasthan, but in Abu, it has been a noticeable part of our life for the last decade or so, reoccurring on and off. I don't want to go on and on about whether it is ethically feasible or not; all I know is that a more rational way might have been used.

I recall vividly the uproar that erupted in August 2008 in response to an essay published by our own controversial Dr A.K.Sharma on the Lake and his ideas for pumping water from a makeshift canal dug at the base of the lower Khodra dam. Click on the link In Full Glory to read the story published in the TOI.

Extreme Measures & Extreme Arrangements- Mt.Abu

Extreme Measures , Extreme Arrangements- Mt.Abu

The paradox of our situation here in Mount Abu is that we have the monsoons pouring rain and the decision of the Lions Club and the local authorities of feeding the lake with rainwater from streams with the aid of 25 odd water tractors and tankers, has been looked upon with utter scepticism and disbelief by the Abuites.

The local Newspapers are claiming that this is one of the largest water harvesting projects taken on in Rajasthan. Even though it seems like carrying coals to Newcastle as the monsoon is still underway here and by the law of averages the lake should overflow by the end of the monsoon period.

This action on the part of some of the residents to feed the lake with about 2 lakh litres of water daily over a period of days just goes to show the desperation and the shortfalls of the administration for this place. The upper Kodra dam that needs desperate repairs and plugging went untouched throughout this dry spell, at the moment this dam has about 7 feet of water, the lower Kodra dam a month ago had only 17 feet of water, today has 42 feet of water. If the monsoon continues to favour us like the past week we should see better days in the coming year.

We have learnt to survive electrical cuts, blackouts with heavy showers, and rationing of water in times of dire drought. In short, we are quite prepared for the
Third World War!

The Tractor tanker emptying its water on the lakes fringe

Tanker being filled from the stream flowing into Paddy’s bridge

Members of the Lion Club and others Overseeing the project.

This Water Fall is no Mirage Mt Abu

I’ve been getting quite a few quires as to how the water falls are flowing well as the saying goes ‘ a picture is worth a thousand words’ Happy viewing, and yes if you are making it up the hill try and make it before the sun sets as it turns very foggy and driving becomes a herculean task. Don’t say I did not warn you, welcome to the Abode.

The water falls at pillar no 9

This fall is known as Aubby's falls.

Crystal clear water

Tourist have a ball at the smaller water fall

Plummy being kissed by the clouds

A video of Aubby's Fall

The Monsoons 1 August 2010 Mt.Abu

The heavy downpour we had yesterday evening excited the Abuites as all streams and makeshift dams were overflowing. Folks rushed down to glimpse the waterfall beyond the tax barrier. I only hope this is a sign from the heavens that the Gods are pleased and this will continue. if not, then we are at the mercy of the rain gods for our water supply. If the Gods are not in favour and do not shower us with showers of rain, we would be confident this hill station has fallen short of the grace of the gods that once favoured this green oasis.

The present storage capacity of rainwater is a constant cause of concern for everyone. It’s imperative that the Rajasthan Government go ahead with the Salgaon Dam project to ease the present storage capacity of rainwater.

Mount Abu desperately needs a reservoir for drinking water, if it does not take immediate action in making a concrete decision, it would spell catastrophic results for this Oasis of the Rajasthan desert in the years to come.

The Pilgrim Road stream

The stream opposite my home The Abode