Grim water situation Mount Abu

The Grim Reality of Water Scarcity in Mount Abu.

 Mount Abu, once a haven of cool climates and lush greenery, is now facing an alarming water crisis. Over the past few years, a pattern of weak monsoons has led to a severe strain on our water sources. The situation has become so dire that we’ve had to adapt to water being supplied only on alternate days. Yet even this has worsened, the waterworks haven’t been able to meet our needs because of pressure, resulting in reducing our water supply to half of what it once was.

This year’s summer has been unlike any I’ve experienced before—hotter, drier, and far more unforgiving. Abu’s once vibrant streams and ponds have dried up. The few remaining artificial water bodies in the hills are shrinking, unable to sustain the local wildlife that depends on them.

Among those hardest hits are the dhobis, our local washermen. Because of the limited availability of clean water, they have had to wash clothes in stagnant, polluted pools. The health risks are evident—skin rashes, waterborne diseases, and the foul stench that clings to everything washed in these murky waters are becoming all too common.

The cost of water has skyrocketed. Just two months ago, a tanker of water cost Rs 150. Last month, that price more than doubled to Rs 350, and now, even if you can afford it, finding a tanker with water is a matter of luck. Our once reliable tube wells have dried up, and most of the municipal sources have failed, leaving us in a precarious situation.

 If the South-West Monsoon fails to arrive on time this year, or worse, if it’s as erratic as in the past, it could plunge Mount Abu into a full-blown water crisis. The fragile ecosystem of our hills, combined with the water scarcity we are already experiencing, calls for immediate, comprehensive action. We might turn to traditional rituals or hope for divine intervention, but only a well-planned, long-term strategy can ensure a reliable water supply for our community and protect our environment.

I remember a time in the late sixties when Mount Abu was so pleasant that we didn’t even need fans in our homes. But those days are long gone. With the relentless advance of climate change, we now rely on air conditioning to endure the summer heat. The future looks grim unless our leaders take this crisis and tackle it head-on. If we don’t act now, we’re headed for a water crisis that could change the very fabric of life in Mount Abu.

Dhobis washing clothes in stagnant water

Dhobi at the Paddys bridge washing clothes

The Miracle Neem Tree Mount Abu

Neem Trees Arna Village
Saurabh's house Neem trees

Plummy from Arna Village

The Golden Horn from Tiger path

Common Shrike

Precarious water situation in Abu

The Legendary Neem tree can be found in nearly all parts of India, it grows at the foot hills of Abu but not in Abu. Abu is blessed with a cocktail of diverse trees, evergreen, deciduous and desert varieties, but not the Miracle tree, the Neem. Many have tried to grow this tree over time but not a single tree could be found in this heaven of ours, my quest for locating a single tree almost came to end and I was ready to believe that this tree could not be grown in Abu, when out of the blue I was told that there were Neem trees growing in Abu.
I had gone to order a cake for my lady love on Valentine’s Day from Saurabh of Swastik Hotel, (by the way his chef makes wonderful cakes) and in the course of our conversation we hit upon the topic of the wonders of the Neem tree and how this tree did not grow in Abu. Saurabh who has a house in Arna Village, just below Monkey Temple told me he had four Neem trees growing on his property, at first I thought he was pulling my leg, but he was dead serious, he told me he had brought them from Himatnager in Gujarat. I told him I would drop in when I could find the time to confirm his claim.
Today was a hay day for me I had driven down to the Arna Village to see the extent of damage the forest fire had caused there. Not only did I get to see the Neem trees but got to hear the Legendary Golden Oriel melodious tunes. The Oriel was a common bird in the sixties, today if one gets to see or hear one, one can consider himself lucky. I did manage to get some lovely shots of the Neem and of some birds and of the horn. I have posted them above. Probably the Neem trees have survived at Arna Village due to a small variation in temperatures, Neem trees cannot survive in temperatures below 4 degree C.

Tragic end to the fish in the school fish pond

After I had posted the article “Nostalgia St.Mary’s School Mount Abu”, I heard that the fish in the school pond the next day met with a tragic end. No it was not the sloth bear of Abu that attacked the fish in the pond, it was a Good Samaritan, as this bloke took it upon himself to replenish the drying pond with fresh water. It was probably chlorinated water that put paid to the fish in the pond.
The pond is now being refilled after a through spring cleaning. Any one feeling generous could donate some fish when visiting the school next, only after getting a green signal from the principal.

Bees Invade Class 7 St.Mary’s School Mount Abu

A fortnight ago there was abs pandemonium in class 7 as a swarm of bees invaded the class via the open window above the refractory. The students ran helter-skelter and made a bee line for the door. Quite a few students and the teacher Ms Jennifer were at the receiving end. Ms Jennifer got stung 5 times on the back and chest, one of the teachers helped remove the projectiles left behind by the attacking bees, the students who were stung were rushed to hospy for first aid treatment.
The bee hives are just outside the class room under the ledge, it was probably the fumes from the kitchen below that disturbed these little creatures. I believe some class X boys also were at the receiving end a few days later. The window above the hives is now sealed.

Nostalgia St.Mary’s High School Mount Abu

St.Mary’s High School Mount Abu.

 Blessed Edmund Rice by Pope John Paul II in Rome on 6 October 1996

Plummy heart-throb  of the boys

Absorbed Teachers Seminar

In anticipation for the bus St.Patrics Day

Cliffy looking great

Fish pond school

Ivo in the Staff room

Oh to be on a picnic

School dam or Lower Khodra dam

Gearing up for a picnic beyond monkey temple

Arna village

Staff Room now revamped

Daisies tucking in - lunch break

EDMUND RICE CELEBRATION "A day to remember" Mount Abu

Fibreglass statue Edmund Rice Brothers Quarters

Boys having lunch picnic style

Edmund is honoured as the founder of the Christian Brothers. Today to pay homage to his vision and generosity, Father Suprien unveiled a fibreglass statue of his in front of the brother’s cottage a fitting place for a man who inspired a mission that continues today on all continents through the ministry of Christian Brothers and laity called to serve in this vocation of Catholic Education.

Today this order has spread to 28 countries and his vision of helping and educating the poor can be seen all over the world. Father Suprien gave a short speech to all the students and staff gathered around, after a short prayer, all dispersed to participate later in the day in storytelling, speeches, poetry, mime and prayer about the past, present and future. Speaking on behalf of the Christian Brothers, the Principal Ms Mary Joseph thanked the staff and students for their generosity and hard work in arranging the event.

When I reached the school there was music blaring and I could see the students having lunch not in the refectory, but out in the open picnic style. Laughter, music and celebration were the order of the day. Today is the feast day of Edmund.