Latest news on Mount Abu

Soma Abu's Jungle man removes crocodile from lake

Soma Abu's Jungle Man.

Photograph snapshot from TOI 

Crocodile Captured in Mount Abu: Jungle Man Soma Ram’s Triumph

At long last, Mount Abu’s very own “Jungle Man,” Soma Ram, has snared the elusive crocodile that had been lurking in Nakki Lake. Known only to a few Abuites, Soma Ram earned his title through years of experience with wildlife in the area, but it seems the generous reward for capturing this crocodile spurred him into action. Now, with the creature captured, tourists can breathe a sigh of relief, no longer fearing an unexpected encounter with the “lake devil” beneath their rowing boats.

On a related note, the annual auction—or ‘Teka’—for the boating rights to Nakki Lake set a record this year, fetching a staggering ₹1.30 crore. A group of local business owners banded together and secured the rights for a year, adding a lucrative layer to Mount Abu’s vibrant tourism industry.

The Diwali Frenzy and Mount Abu’s Unseen Battle

 The Diwali season brought its usual surge of tourists, turning Mount Abu’s streets into a frenzy of activity. Hotels got booked solid, and the bustling energy of the town reached its peak. But for many visitors, their experience was bittersweet. While the natural beauty and festive atmosphere dazzled them, the sight of unauthorized construction projects casting a shadow on the landscape left them with mixed feelings.

Local Abuites, keen to capitalize on the chaotic rush, wasted no time in erecting buildings and adding extensions, hoping that the holiday fervour would distract authorities from their actions. As the saying goes: “Build in haste, repent at leisure.” Now that the tourist wave has subsided and the officials are back at their desks, the crackdown has begun. Task forces sweep the town daily, focusing on areas like the once-pristine Dilwara region, where illegal structures have mushroomed at an alarming rate.

The Bitter Reality of Mount Abu’s Development

It’s a tale as old as time: the wealthy flout the rules with impunity, while the poor endure the law’s heavy hand. In Mount Abu, the same rule applies, whether it’s in the jungle's heart or amidst the concrete one. Money and power often grease the wheels, leaving the less fortunate to pay the price.

As authorities move to dismantle these illegal constructions, many of those caught in the crossfire are everyday citizens, now facing the harsh consequences of Mount Abu’s unchecked development. The situation feels like a classic catch-22—those who need to build do so out of necessity, but at the risk of facing the law, while those with wealth seem immune to consequences.

Resolving these issues will take time, but one can only hope that the authorities will act with fairness and transparency, ensuring that they treat all Abuites, rich or poor, justly.