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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Happy Doggie Madness Mount Abu. [ 19/08/2021 ]

 Doggie Madness is like crazy love.


Have you been in love? I mean genuine love! There is perhaps one creature besides humans that we love and, in return, gives back 100% unconditional love.
Throughout my land lubing days, I’ve always lived together with one of these critters. Had many heartbreaking moments every time one of them departed for their paradise. I resolved never to keep another, but that has never been possible as every time karma has played its part and sent not one but a few more of them to keep this household of ours always in their undying love and companionship.
 They light up our lives. These beloved beings radiate happiness with their mere presence, creating an aura of joy.
They can annoy, and their antics are sometimes hurtful, but these moments are short-lived. The reality is they impart sheer happiness; they are a joy to behold with their wagging tails, their piercing look of love that they generate grips our hearts with their passion for love and the only term that fits this expression is “Happy doggie madness.”
All in the family are crazy dog lovers; we showered more love on these creatures of nature than on another fellow human or pet. This doggie madness to us folks is a source of joy and happiness their barking, rummaging up the garden, their unending banter with each other, and their constant craving of trying to draw our attention for affection is something to behold at such moments all caution for cleanliness is thrown to the winds our clothing takes on a hue of the surrounding garden that is their playground all these moments have no lasting effect reality. This crazy doggie madness is love.
Here are the dogs I've been raving about. I hope they remind you of the unconditional love granted to us by the gods.


"Ted our shaggy pooch, a darling of a mongrel loved by all"
Ted 

The biggest boy out of the lot of 11 pups. Always up to mischief but a gentle soul. 

"Jenn and Ted, bonded in love"
Jenn and Ted


"Toby, a heartache to behold a pooch always lookig for love"
Toby

A little heartache, very affectionate and full of life loves to play with the cat.



"Jenn and Toby girl, one of her favourite pooches"
Jenn and Toby girl

"Taken after his grandfather, a cocker a gentle guy. His shaggy coat keeps him parked in the coolest of places."
Patch

Taken after his grandfather, a cocker a gentle guy. His shaggy coat keeps him parked in the coolest of places.

Patch
Patch

Jenn and her baby Patch
Jenn and her baby Patch


" Venus Venus girl Loves to be cuddled Very affectionate One big explorer "
Venus girl
Loves to be cuddled Very affectionate One big explorer 

Venus .
Venus girl 
Fondly called Aloo, My Potato by Jenn

"Loves to be cuddled Very affectionate One big explorer"
Ivory




Loves to be cuddled Very affectionate One big explorer

" Venus and Ivory dog n the bone Venus and Ivory in a game of tug–of–war."
Venus and Ivory in a game of tug–of–war.

These two brats love tearing up any or everything they can lay their snarling snouts on.


"The aloof one. A sturdy little cat bounces around doing her thing not to be trifled with."
Leelo girl
The aloof one. A sturdy little cat bounces around doing her thing not to be trifled with.


Leelo Girl
Leelo girl

"Jenn n Leelo Girl"
Jenn and Leelo Girl

Stitch girl
Stitch girl

Her piercing eyes make the onlooker wanna to cuddle her
" Her piercing eyes make the onlooker wanna to cuddle her"
Cres and Stitch 

"Sturdy and small for his age but takes no humbug from the others and loves to bant. The snout is most days covered in mud, he's always digging for gold."
Rusty boy

Sturdy and small for his age but takes no humbug from the others and loves to bant. The snout is most days covered in mud, he's always digging for gold.

"Jenn n Rusty"
Jenn n Rusty

"A little spitfire slim petite and a terror when challenged by the others"
Jenn n Ivy

A little spitfire slim petite and a terror when challenged by the others

"A fiery little guy loves to be pampered. Showing all the signs of becoming the Alpha of the pack."
Amigo

A fiery little guy loves to be pampered. Showing all the signs of becoming the Alpha of the pack.


"Amigo,one of the brood."
Amigo

"Jenn and  Elf Boy our little runt"
Jenn n Elf Boy

The little runt.
ELF

"Elf Boy, enjoying a nap."
One sharp little mite, A master at stirring up the pack, a little mite little mighty mouse taking on even the biggest of the boys in the group. He has his mishap days when the whole pack single him out and teaches the runt a lesson in discipline. His squeals draw the house and household running out to help the little mighty mouse from being pulled to pieces.

               
"Elf Boy. a collage of the little runt.nick named "Might Mouse"."
Elf Boy

If you have enjoyed this selection of our Doggie Madness, keep tuned 
I will shortly upload a few fascinating videos of these little heartaches.
                
 

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Latest news and Updates On Mount Abu [ 31/07/2022 ]

 Golf Returns to Mount Abu: A Comeback for the Elites’ Game

Exciting news for golf enthusiasts! Golf will return to Mount Abu next month, bringing back a once-thriving tradition. Back in the day, the lush greens of Mount Abu welcomed avid golfers, but for reasons lost to history—perhaps following the departure of the British and the shift of the Police Training Academy—the sport faded away. Financial constraints and the lack of a dedicated club led to the deterioration of the course, leaving even the tiny pavilion overlooking it in a state of disrepair (see the snap below).

"Golf pavilion of bygone era Mount Abu"
Golf pavilion of a bygone era 

However, that’s about to change. The inclusion of golf and polo in Mount Abu’s tourism program by the Rajasthan government shows a resurgence of these traditional sports. Polo will make a comeback as well, starting again from where it left off in 2008. All departments are backing changing Mount Abu into an international tourist centre. Including sporting activities is a key component of this vision.

Salgaon Dam Project Gets the Green Light

In another landmark development, Mount Abu has received clearance for the much-anticipated Salgaon Dam project—a wait that has lasted an incredible 44 years!
This project is a significant milestone for the people of Mount Abu. Every year, we’ve relied on the monsoon rains to meet our water needs, often resorting to prayers and havans to the rain gods. Severe hardships were experienced by the community when a failed monsoon resulted in our existing water supply being insufficient. The Salgaon Dam will be a significant change, offering us a more reliable water source.
The entire community will celebrate when they lay the foundation stone for the Salgaon Dam. I, for one, will raise a glass and toast to the health of the gods and the future of Mount Abu. Cheers!. Cheers 🥃

Click on the link below to read the project report.


Latest news and Updates On Mount Abu [ 31/07.2021 ]

 Update on Mount Abu.

Mount Abu can now boast an up-to-date free medical clinic run by our esteemed Dr AK SHARMA. He has been running this free clinic for the poor and the tribal for the past 20 years. He has provided medical support worth millions of rupees, including free operations to hundreds of thousands of patients. 

The latest on his agenda is to see the message below.


Dedicated service to public health
|| Shri Agneshwar Mahadev || Sri 1008 International Mahant Sri Tulsigiriji Maharaj Medical Center
Free Diagnostic Camp - Sunday 11 am to 2 pm
Location: Omkar Ashram,  Delwara, Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
Date
the coming tabeeb,
08/08/2021 Dr Rakesh Sharma | for children.
22/08/2021 Dr Ketan Shukla | For kidney, urine and stones.
05/09/2021 Dr Parthiv Mehta | For breathing and lungs.
19/09/2021 Dr. Riddhi Shukla | For ladies.
This is a free service/consultation offered to the patient
Courtesy - Arsh Charitable Foundation, Ahmedabad

Dr Sharma has started a super speciality clinic in his free clinic programme. If anyone knows of any children with lung disease, patients of gynaecology, or patients having kidney stones or kidney-related problems. Let them know and inform them they can avail themselves of this programme FREE. You can update our gracious Dr if anyone is unnecessarily suffering from any disease without consultants. Dr Sharma is getting the finest of doctors from Ahmedabad for free. They will check the patients on the air-conditioned bus. The doctors will examine them and provide relevant advice. Please note the timings.

From 11 to 12 on Sundays.

Mount Abu has never ever boasted of an entire library. As far back as I can remember. We had a makeshift library, an apology for the library that was running in the pavilion. Our present SDM, who is immensely productive, has revamped and renovated the pavilion. The pavilion is now a state-of-the-art library. It will have internet connections, computers, Wi-Fi, and everything a modern library needs. Anyone can be a member, and you can contribute books to it. Your ideas and advice on the well-being of this state-of-the-art library will be most welcome. Next month, I look forward to the launch of the Mount Abu Library in the hills.
More on the latest on The Abode of the god. Good nite, 




Thursday, July 08, 2021

Tourist thronging in Hills Spark Fears of 3rd Wave Mount Abu [ 08/07/2021 [

 Following relaxations by the Rajasthan Govt, tourists make a beeline to Mount Abu.


"Welcome to the Abode of Gods, have a pleasurable stay.".
Welcome to the Abode of Gods
.

|"MOUNT ABU GOOGLE  WORLD, through their web application."
MOUNT ABU GOOGLE WORLD

"Scenic points to visit, while tou are in Mount Abu."
Scenic points to visit




Mount Abu is a popular weekend spot for tourists from Gujarat. With a drop in the number of cases, and the unlock put into effect last month, the tourist rush to this oasis has gone through the roof! Throughout the week, hordes of tourists drove up to visit Abu, with an estimate of over 65000 people visiting on an average weekend getaway. 

The road leading up to Mount Abu sees impatient traffic jams because of the overwhelming number of vehicles. They also made it victim to mass litter with empty beer bottles, plastic water bottles, empty snack packaging, and other grim litter associated with irresponsible tourism. With the growing waste attributed to the tourism industry, they have not left Mount Abu undefiled. All this adds to the strain on wildlife and the environment. 

What about the principal scientific advisor to the prime minister, who clearly stated that a third wave is inevitable and that the exact time of its advent cannot be FORECAST? Although the Government has called on the population, at large, to follow the pandemic protocol strictly, there is such a universal indifference to laws and regulations in that regard. 

The thousands of tourists in Mount Abu flout all mandatory safety precautions daily. It mostly comes across as unruly children let loose in the wild. The lessons learnt from the devastating second wave, only a short while ago, which caused untold panic throughout the country, seem to have faded away, leaving an ideal ground for the virus to raise its head once again.

Can we prevent the #ThirdWave with such insolence?

Will our vaccinations be effective against new variant strains?

Like all other hill stations that depend on tourism, will Abu survive another onslaught of lockdowns?

We require tourism, but while the industry creates the problems, it also needs to provide solutions. There is an immediate need to preserve what we have in this gracious oasis of ours. We cannot let tourism thrive at the cost of disturbing the fragile ecological balance. There has to be a way of bringing a collective consciousness into play. 

A campaign in July 2019, Clean up Nakki Lake (under Ravindra Goswami, the sub-divisional magistrate), yielded over 10 to 12 tons of garbage. Can one believe that guests visiting this beautiful lake would be so uncaring for the environment that they would make it the graveyard of beer bottles? They also hoisted four trolleys of discarded beer bottles out from the lake. I’m making this point only because the other day I visited Mini Nikki Lane and the Lower Khodra dam and witnessed this menace first-hand. There were beer bottles thrown all around; many even pitched into the water. I would also like to mention a recent video that circulated, which showed the deplorable condition of the Polo Grounds. In the video, I saw large numbers of vehicles parked, and tourists were thoughtlessly littering the ground with beer bottles and other trash items. I have linked the same at the end of this blog. 

There is a constant threat of automobile pollution, jammed roads, not designed to accommodate such vehicle inflow, rampant littering of non-biodegradable material, and plastic waste too. With these looming problems, there is an impending threat in terms of local resources too, especially water. Regular monitoring of the few water bodies we have here is necessary, and the Administration should contemplate imposing penalties for polluting them. To stop the dumping of beer bottles in our town and its environment, we need strict laws.

If we address these concerns one at a time, perhaps in the coming years we will still have something for these visitors to see and appreciate.

Mount Abu Polo Grounds is a pathetic state 

Personal Memories of Polo Grounds

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Mount Abu Datda Sea World

Datda Sea World hyped up the largest aquarium in India


Opposite Lake Palace Nakki Lake
Opposite Lake Palace Nakki Lake

Datda Sea World

Datda Sea World

The aquarium
The aquarium 

Angle fish
Angle fish

Angle fish
Angle fish
Cluster fish
Cluster fish
Exotic Fish

Exotic Fish

Exotic Fish

      

Exotic Fish


Red cap lionhead
Redcap Lionshead,

Piranha
Piranha

Sea Shells from around the world
Sea Shells from around the world


A junior staff member
A junior staff member

Incomparable Beauties
Incomparable Beauties



Water snails
Water snails

Datda Sea World owned by Jalam Singh Rathore, accompanied me around the museum when I went to visit it last Saturday. It extremely disappointed me to see it set up as it’s still in its infancy. To make it publically viable, he should have first completed the said project and only then opened it to the tourists. I’m sure people’s expectations of this hyped-up largest aquarium in India did not meet the approval of many a visitor.

Mr Rathore was very enthusiastic about the project. He said a lot had to be done but because of public pressure; he had to open the place prematurely. Mr Rathore plans to have exotic varieties of all kinds of fish that would enthral the tourists. He boasts of the largest collection of seashells, around 10,000 from all parts of the world. The Seashell Museum is impressive, but a lot of effort still has to go into making it presentable. I’m sure Mr Rathore will have his work cut out, as running a successful aquarium as large as this one would require a team of experts and dedicated people. Already they have suffered a loss of around Rs 3 lakhs, with fish not being able to survive the change in environment.

They imported the bulk of their fish from Singapore. The fish are first sent to Calcutta and from there immediately to Udaipur, where they are housed and treated for a few days to recover from their jet lag. From Udaipur, it transported them to Abu. The aquarium will have both varieties of fish, freshwater and seawater fish on display. In the Datda Sea World, visitors will get to see different varieties of fish and other underwater creatures. If merely looking at them does not satisfy a visitor’s curiosity, they could try scuba diving in an 80-foot aquarium being specially built for this purpose. A small auditorium is being prepared next to the aquarium where visitors can view short documentary films on marine life, and discuss the various aspects of fish life in different parts of the world.å

I’m sure on its completion it will be a big thrill for tourists visiting this abode of the gods.


Saturday, June 12, 2021

Mount Abu Latest News Gateway to the Abode now open.[12/08/2021 ]

 Negative RT-PCR is mandatory for outsiders entering Mount Abu.



"Mount Abu beckoning tourists, with its mantle of green hues."
Mount Abu is beckoning tourists in the second wave of the pandemic year.

This life is so full of temptation and tourists want to keep it that way. If They try to change it, they might lose their way!
The Rajasthan government has made it mandatory for outsiders visiting Mount Abu to have a Negative RT-PCR certificate done in the last 72 hours. Our SDM, Abhishek Surana. Mount Abu told TOI that as per Rajasthan government guidelines, Mount Abu is complying strictly with all who enter this abode.
Mount Abu has set up two checkpoints attended by the police, and medical and paramedical staff who will monitor guests at these posts.
To visit Mount Abu as a tourist, you must show a negative RT-PCR report 72 hours before or proof of complete vaccination at least 28 days prior. Please check to see if tourists may visit Mount Abu on weekends. I believe from Friday to Sunday there could be restrictions on tourists visiting this lush green Abode of the Gods.
Today, a lot of guests went up the hill, oblivious to the fact that Abu doesn't permit tourist access on weekends. Consequently, they were left bewildered and trapped. Thankfully, the Local Administration intervened and passed a decision. These tourists were given the option by the Local Administration to either stay confined to their respective hotels, where they had been booked for the weekend or to start touring and sightseeing from Monday. 
To avoid being confined on the weekend to one’s hotel, tourists please go through the protocols laid down by the state governments.

Wishing all visitors to the Abode of Gods a pleasant and safe stay.

BE SAFE and avoid the three Cs — crowds, closed spaces and close contact.

Help fight COVID-19 Head over for your first jab.
18 to 44-year-old young folks of Abu can get their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Venu the Government Higher Secondary School. You can register with your Aadhar card.

Looking for more information on 


Click the link above 

Monday, May 24, 2021

Mount Abu Rajasthan in the second phase of the Pandemic.[ 24 May 2021 ]

Rajasthan chief minister announced a three-tier lockdown in the state from May 24


"Mount Abu City from Achalgarh, as snapped through my lens."
Mount Abu City from Achalgarh

Ashok Gehlot. the new guidelines to be followed during the period.

The three-tier lockdown system is being implemented to enforce Covid-19 apt behaviour.
In the first stage, the government has asked people to not allow outsiders into their houses to keep children and elders safe. 
The second stage involves not over five people would gather.
Under the third tier of restrictions, is a complete ban on traffic movement from one city to another and from one village to another. All medical emergencies and other All medical emergencies and other permissible categories would receive permission. All medical emergencies and other permissible categories would be authorised.
The state has also mandated a negative RT PCR certificate, not older than 72 hours, for travellers coming from outside the state. If not provided, the passenger would undergo a mandatory 15-day quarantine.
Markets except those selling dairy and milk products, shops selling fruits and vegetables and vendors of such products on jettisoned rickshaws will remain closed between 12pm on May 28 to 5am on June 1 and between 12pm on June 4 to 5am on June 8.
If entering Rajasthan from another state it’s mandatory a negative RT PCR certificate, not older than 72 hours. If not provided, the passenger would undergo a mandatory   15-day quarantine

COVID-19 vaccination will continue. Recipients can only visit the vaccination centres within the same locality as their residents.

They have increased the penalty for not wearing a mask in public places from ₹500 to ₹1000. Please ensure that you wear your mask.

Black fungus notified of an epidemic in Rajasthan

Mucormycosis (black fungus) is notified as an epidemic and notifiable disease in the entire state under the sections of the Rajasthan Epidemic Act 2020

Free treatment for black fungus across all districts: Rajasthan CM
Mount Abu, our little hill station in the state of Rajasthan, has also seen a few deaths related to COVID-19. Our tourist industry has come to a standstill.

BE SAFE and avoid the three Cs — crowds, closed spaces and close contact.




Sunday, April 04, 2021

Happy Easter from The Abode of Gods Mount Abu [ 4/04/2021 ]

 Wishing All a "Happy Easter" from Mount Abu.



MAY YOUR TROUBLES BE LESS
AND YOUR BLESSINGS BE MORE
AND NOTHING BUT HAPPINESS
COMES THROUGH YOUR DOOR
Irish Blessing


WISHING ALL MY VIEWERS 
A JOYOUS EASTER

Happy Easter to All my viewers
Happy Easter to All my viewers 

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter, Be and take care
Tomorrow I will post the photographs of the Second week of March.

PS
NOTICE 

Tourists coming to Mount Abu Please note it's mandatory to HAVE CLEARED THE COVID-19 TEST before entering Rajasthan. While climbing up the hill the authorities will stop you and ask you for your test results if you have not done it they will ask you to return. Please be aware.


Tuesday, January 05, 2021

Avian flu ALERT In Rajasthan after crows die in Jhalawar. Mount Abu ( 05/01/2021 )

The Rajasthan Government sounded an alert after confirming "avian influenza." 


"Moon on New Year's Eve Abu Road."
The moon on New Year's Eve Abu Road 

An amazing red moon appeared in the sky during our New Year's Eve barbecue on my brother-in-law's AbuRoad rooftop. It was exceptional with its bloody red colour. Wish I had a tripod stand that day. Anyway, I did click on a few presentable snaps of the moon. The myths and superstitions surrounding a ‘Blood Moon’ worldwide portray an event as an omen. We laughed and joked about the blood moon and thought nothing much of it, as it’s another celestial rock in the universe.

A red blob appeared at the end of 2020, signalling that 2021 might not be good for Earth. The year 2020 has taken its toll on humans with the dreaded COVID-19 virus. Is there going to be an anchor at the start of the new century from 2021 to 2030? Are we going to be plagued with an even more deadly pandemic? 
We in Rajasthan are now on high alert after they detected the bird flu virus in crows.
Here is a quote from India Today :

Kunji Lal Meena, Rajasthan's principal secretary, said on Sunday. “Till now, 47 crows have died in Kota, 100 in Jhalawar and 72 in Baran. They reported no death in Bundi. We are committed to spreading awareness and implementing measures to control the situation.


A cousin of mine, Genevieve from Kota, sent me this picture. She and her mates had gone out to spend the day together. They observed a crow dying on a lawn. See the snap below.

"WhatsApp Image Dead crow in Baran Rajasthan 30 Dec 20."
WhatsApp Image Dead crow in Baran Rajasthan 30 Dec 20 
(Town Sultanpur
Place Royal Academy (School)
Date     30th De. 2020
Time at 9.30 am 
The crow was dying when we observed it at 9.30 in the morning and died by about 3.00 pm. We did not go close to it. My friend took the snapshot.)

Hopefully, this avian flu does not spread far and wide like the COVID-19 virus. It will be catastrophic for the wildlife here in Rajasthan. Already alarm bells are chiming and the authorities have swung into action, closing off all sensitive zones.

6 Jan 2021

An update on the Bird situation

Click the link below



To learn more about the H5NI, click the links above