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Monday, November 27, 2023

Mount Abu Ravaged Yet Again: When the Skies Turn Without Warning

Mount Abu Faces Nature’s Wrath as an Unseasonal Storm Strikes Early

"27 Nov 2023 Mount Abu enveloped in a misy trance."
Greetings from Mount Abu, the Abode of Gods.
 
Mount Abu—the tranquil refuge in the ancient folds of the Aravalli Range—was once again at the mercy of a restless sky. The India Meteorological Department forecast an unusual weather spell for Monday and Tuesday, which arrived ahead of time, catching both residents and travellers off guard.

 The day had begun with deceptive calm. By mid-morning, however, the mood shifted. Around 10 a.m., clouds gathered with intent, darkening the sky in slow, deliberate strokes. What followed was not a passing shower but a full-blown assault—torrential rain, violent gusts, and lightning that tore through the hills with unsettling frequency. For those navigating the winding ascent from Abu Road, it was less a journey and more an ordeal.

 By late afternoon, the storm had reached its crescendo. Winds howled through the valleys, bending trees and rattling rooftops, while flashes of lightning illuminated the hills in stark, momentary clarity. It was a spectacle—beautiful in its raw power, yet unsettling.

 Life Interrupted

 As the storm tightened its grip, the town’s fragile infrastructure faltered. Power outages plunged large parts of Mount Abu into darkness. Many spent the night by flickering candlelight and felt the cold creep in with uncertainty, though the electricity department scrambled to restore supply.

 In its wake, the storm left behind 45 mm of rain—enough to awaken dry streambeds and rejuvenate the parched landscape. The hills, draped in mist, regained their postcard charm. Yet beneath that beauty lay the quiet disruption of daily life: damaged property, frayed nerves, and a growing sense that such events are no longer rare.

 When Lightning Strikes Close

 Stories from the ground carried a more personal edge. One resident recounted witnessing two lightning strikes in close succession—one near the Neelkanth temple along the main road, the other over a residential area. The latter left a trail of damage, knocking out dish antennas and destroying electronic equipment. These were not distant flashes on the horizon—they were reminders, delivered close, of nature’s unchecked force.

 A Pattern Emerging

 This is no isolated incident. erratic weather has caught Mount Abu and much of Rajasthan, with unseasonal rain, sudden temperature swings, and storms that defy both timing and intensity. The influence of western disturbances has grown less predictable, and the line between seasons continues to blur.

 To call it “unusual weather” feels inadequate now. These are signals—clear, insistent—of a climate under stress.

 Beauty, Disruption, and a Warning

 There is always a strange duality in Mount Abu after such storms. The air turns crisp, the hills glow under drifting mist, and streams hum back to life. Tourists return, drawn as ever to its charm. But for those who live here, each storm leaves behind more than just refreshed landscapes—it leaves questions.
How many more such “unseasonal” events before they become the norm?
How prepared are we—really—for what lies ahead?

Mount Abu endures, as it always has. But resilience should not be mistaken for immunity. The storm may have passed, but its message lingers in the damp earth, the broken branches, and the uneasy silence that follows.

PostScriptPostScript:
In a twist that underscores the growing unpredictability, an abrupt dip followed the storm, ushering in an unseasonal chill more typical of deep winter. Another reminder, perhaps, that in today’s climate reality, even the seasons no longer follow their own rules.


"Mount Abu's temperature 4 degrees last night 27 Nov 2023 as seen on the temperature gauge."
Mount Abu temperature gauge, per kind favour, Anil.

For a comfortable stay at Mount Abu, contact Anil
at 







Tuesday, August 22, 2023

The Unusual Death of a Young Leopard on Mount Abu Raises Conservation Concerns

 How did the young leopard die?

"How did the young leopard die"
How did the young leopard die

Mount Abu, located in the heart of the Aravalli Range, is a biodiversity hotspot that is home to Rajasthan's elusive leopards. The number of leopard deaths in this region has decreased, showing that conservation measures are effective. However, a recent occurrence has placed doubt on this success tale, when a juvenile leopard's life was cut short under mysterious circumstances.
My niece, a dedicated naturalist and instructor at St. Mary's High School, gave me a heartbreaking WhatsApp video of a juvenile leopard laying still. The lack of evidence of combat ruled out any imminent attack, but doubts lingered: How did this young leopard meet its terrible demise? Was it a natural death, or was something more sinister at work?
The idea of poisoning seemed unlikely because Abu has a lot of trap cameras and regularly checks on the animals in the forest. Given the increasing monitoring of such activities, poaching was also a dubious answer. Could it be a poisonous snake bite? A probable possibility, but we can only speculate until more evidence becomes available.
The video showed that the juvenile leopard's body was being thoroughly studied by wildlife experts from the forest department. A definite answer to the riddle, however, lies with a postmortem investigation, a vital step in uncovering the facts behind this tragic death. Wildlife experts from the forest department conducted a comprehensive study, which they will send to Jaipur's headquarters. This study provides insights that might bring this depressing chapter to a close.


WhatsApp Video 2023-08-22 at 6.56.58 PM.mp4

The death of the juvenile leopard serves as a sharp reminder of the perilous predicament in which these gorgeous creatures find themselves. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 lists leopards as an endangered species, and we classify them as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List due to habitat degradation, decreasing food sources, and the illegal trade of their skins and body parts.
As updates become available, how this vibrant new life was destroyed will weigh heavily on the minds of environmentalists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Our united optimism is based on the determined work of the government and organisations charged with protecting these priceless creatures.

The leopards of Mount Abu have caught our imaginations and emotions, symbolising the problematic balance between humans and nature. The mystery surrounding this baby leopard's fate serves as a rallying cry for fresh conservation efforts, emphasising the need to protect these natural riches for future generations.

How this vibrant new life was destroyed will weigh heavily on the minds of environmentalists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike as updates become available. The government and organizations are working hard to protect these priceless creatures, which makes us hopeful.


23 Aug 2023
"News clip on the cremation of the leopard  sent via WhatsApp per kind favour Deepash."
News clip on the cremation of the leopard sent via WhatsApp per kind favour Deepash


An Update on the above report:
Click the link: 👇

Monday, August 14, 2023

Mount Abu Battles to Manage Independence Day Tourist Influx

 Finding a Balance to appease and control the overcrowding of tourists.


"Tourists heading up the hill for the weekend, on a misty day."
Tourists heading up the hill for the weekend 
Per kind favour a concerned Abuite.
                           

Nestled amidst natural splendour, Mount Abu, often hailed as “The Abode of the Gods,” witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist footfall during the recent pre-Independence Day weekend. While the predicted influx brought vibrancy to the hill station, it also brought to light some significant challenges.

From August 11 to August 15, 2023, Mount Abu experienced a record influx of visitors, turning its serene streets into a lively hub of activity. However, this expected outpouring in tourism came with its share of hurdles that the local administration had to contend with.

The picturesque journey up the winding roads of Abu, which provides a tranquil prelude to the stay for travellers, turned into a gruelling trek for many. The ascent, which takes a reasonable amount of time, stretched into hours as the steady stream of vehicles crawled upwards to their respective hotels.


They sent this video via WhatsApp. All credit goes to the owner of this video.

Among this influx, an unfortunate pattern of unruly behaviour emerged. Reports emerged of tourists sitting atop car rooftops, revelling in open vans and consuming alcohol, showing little regard for the environment. Tourists littered the roadsides with empty cans and bottles or threw them into the valleys below, which marred the natural beauty that I know Mount Abu for.
Late at night on August 13, 2023, a concerning incident occurred at a significant intersection involving a tourist vehicle playing loud music. The presence of a passenger atop the car led to an impromptu street dance that caused a half-hour disturbance. It took the intervention of law enforcement to restore order and allow traffic to flow again.
The events raised important questions about the management of tourism in Mount Abu. Is there a place for such unbridled behaviour in a destination revered for its spiritual and natural allure? Could the local tourism administration have been more practical in curbing such disturbances before they escalated? The time seems ripe to explore avenues for creating selected spaces, such as discotheques, where the spirited energy of tourists can find expression without causing chaos.
As we reflect on these incidents, I invite my readers to share their insights and suggestions. How can Mount Abu strike a delicate balance between providing an avenue for tourists to unwind while upholding the tranquillity and charm that define the destination? Your perspectives are invaluable as we navigate the path ahead for this enchanting hill station.

The impromptu street dance caused a half-hour disturbance.
To see this video, click on the video link.

Interesting Observation for this prolonged weekend
12 Aug - Saturday
13 Aug - Sunday
14 Aug - Medical leave/Casual leave/French leave
15 Aub - Independence Day (Holiday)

India is to celebrate its 77th Independence Day.
Let's take a pledge to protect the peace and unity of our Great Nation,
Happy Independence Day!



Friday, July 28, 2023

Mount Abu Monsoon Madness: A Changing Climate Tale

Mount Abu has it all, from breathtaking beauty to catastrophic events.


"Collage of First landslide for this season 28 July 2023."
The first landslide for this season 28 July 2023

Streams surged fiercely last night in Abu, highlighting the region's spectacular beauty during the heavy rain. However, this lovely scene also underscores the troubling fact of changing climate scenarios, which have resulted in unusual and harsh monsoon seasons. This blog post discusses how recent weather in Abu affected the local population and had larger consequences. The captivating views of The Rainy Night Spectacle fascinated Abuites, who recorded and shared them on several social media sites. The gushing streams and heavy rains reminded everyone of the need to appreciate nature's beauty while recognising the environment's vulnerability to climate change. (The volume of rain from midnight to 6 am was 142mm, i.e. almost 6 inches)

The Impact of Climate Change:

The climate in Abu has changed dramatically during the last decade. Extreme monsoon seasons are becoming more common, causing catastrophic occurrences, such as flooding and droughts in formerly untouched areas. The latest cyclonic storm, followed by continued high rains throughout July, wrought havoc in Rajasthan, causing major floods and property and animal losses.

The recent monsoons in Abu serve as a vivid reminder of the critical issue of climate change. While we appreciate the beauty of rainy evenings, we must equally acknowledge the difficulties they bring. We can safeguard our environment, homes, and livelihoods by recognising and addressing these changes, guaranteeing a sustainable future for future generations. It's time to take action, raise awareness, and work together to counteract the negative consequences of climate change in Abu and beyond.

Scary Encounter: it highlighted the implications of climate change today, as Abu had its first landslip on the main road, only a few kilometres before the Hunaman temple. The episode underscores the increasing dangers of natural disasters in areas prone to excessive rainfall and soil erosion.


Large Mudslide Mt Abu WhatsApp Video per kind favour my niece Crescentia 

The heavy rain has impacted daily life across Abu, leading to even St. Mary's High School declaring a holiday. With the rushing floods, the Paddy Bridge, the sole vehicular access point to the school, was overflowing and unusable. Such interruptions to daily life highlight infrastructure's fragility and the need for improved planning in the face of shifting weather patterns.


Paddy's Bridge overflowing WhatsApp Video per kind favour Manoj St. Mary's staff.

The recent monsoons in Abu serve as a vivid reminder of the critical issue of climate change. While we appreciate the beauty of rainy evenings, we must equally acknowledge the difficulties they bring. We can safeguard our environment, homes, and livelihoods by recognising and addressing these changes. 


The streams in full spate WhatsApp Video per kind favour my niece Crescentia.

For more news on Mount Abu, click the link below.

Mount Abu 28 July 2023.



“The Flaming Eye in the Shrouded Sky” Mount Abu

The flaming eye amidst the damp and mist-laden evening sky. 


"The flaming eye amidst the damp and mist-laden evening sky"
The Flaming eye in the sky.

Today, I witnessed an extraordinary sight - the flaming eye amidst the damp and mist-laden evening sky. Despite the mist from the monsoon season, the celestial wonder still shines and casts a surreal glow over the town.
Tourists are undeterred by the dismal weather and come in droves to this hill station to experience the mystical ambience and seek divine connections. Veiled in the mysterious clouds, Mount Abu transforms into a sanctuary, elevating visitors to a state of blissful frenzy, as if they are truly on cloud nine.
For the Abuites, accustomed to the prolonged monsoon, the novelty of this spectacle gradually fades, giving way to a yearning for sunnier days. Clothes stubbornly refuse to dry in the relentless dampness, while moss and mildew seem to assert their supremacy, keeping hard-working stay-at-home parent on constant alert, lest their homes succumb to the mouldy, damp smell that clings to every corner.
Beyond the moisture-laden walls, creatures of all kinds emerge from their hiding places, brazenly invading households, making life a never-ending battle against unwelcome intruders, leaving the residents wearied by the continuous vigil.
However, amidst these challenges, the determined human spirit prevails. The locals, embracing their toughness, find solace in the companionship that blossoms during the monsoon months. Laughter echoes through the mist, and the rich tapestry of mythical tales and legendary folklore passed down from generation to generation strengthens the bond within the community.
As the blazing eye continues to throw its ominous glow, Abuites find solace in sharing their rainy-season stories. Despite the discomforts and dampness, they recognise Mount Abu's monsoon appeal, which draws everyone into its mystical embrace.
In Mount Abu, the eagerly anticipated monsoon season brings a beloved transformation, as the cloudy evenings become a story of harmony, with the persistent rain fostering the thriving plant life and the sun sometimes peeking through, making every second cherished.


Misty morning at Mount Abu WhatsApp Video, Per the kind favour of my niece Crescentia 

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

A update on Mount Abu (4 June 2015)

An unfortunate accident by a drunken driver.

A car from Gujarat a GJ 30 9620 at around 2:45 pm shot off the road and flew into the gutter near the Neel Kant temple. Apparently, the driver and a co-passenger were two sheets in the wind. Fortunately for all the passengers in the car, no one received major injuries. A crowd of Abuites were on the scene within minutes and were of great assistance. The crowd of Abuites immediately pulled the passengers out of the car and provided them with first aid. The locals gathered there and helped put the vehicle, which had turned turtle, back on its wheels. Here are a few snaps of the mishap that took place today.

'A tourist car overshot and landed in the stream, Abuites gathered around to help the passangers.",
A tourist car overshot and landed in the stream

"The tourist car which overshot landed in the stream below."
The tourist car which overshot landed in the stream below

"A cop overseeing the accident spot."
A cop overseeing the accident spot

"A few of the injured tourists pulled out of the car."
A few of the injured tourists pulled out of the car












Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Unprecedented Cyclone Biparjoy Devastates Mount Abu

Mount Abu Survives Its First Cyclone as Nature Takes Over

"The eye of the cyclone over Mount Abu, from Zoom Earth "
The eye of the cyclone over Mount Abu, from Zoom Earth 

A rare weather phenomenon occurred in Mount Abu, Rajasthan's scenic Aravalli Range. Cyclone Biparjoy made an unexpected impact on this landlocked region on June 16, 2023, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This unexpected cyclonic storm, which is unusual for Mount Abu, astonished both inhabitants and officials. Despite its distance from the shore, torrential rainfall and powerful gusts hit the town, inflicting extensive damage.

The Ordeal Unleashed: When the Biparjoy hit, Mount Abu was unprepared for the devastation that ensued. With high winds and constant rain, the "Abode of Gods" swiftly became a war against nature's fury. Flash floods swamped the town, submerging homes and streets. The strong winds toppled trees and electricity lines, resembling a heavenly bowling match. Essential services were severely affected, with no power, water, or internet access.
On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the Abuites (the dwellers of Mount Abu) experienced fear as the unrelenting storm showed no signs of abating. It cut residents off from essential services, putting them in an unusual scenario. Their tin-sheeted homes provided little shelter against the chilling winds, resulting in substantial damage and loss of property. It carried away countless birds and their young in the roaring floods, adding to the animal toll.

Record rainfall and lingering hardships resulted from Cyclone Biparjoy's influence, which was felt well beyond Mount Abu. The Banas River overflowed its banks on the lowlands, causing significant flooding on Abu Road. During the disaster, Mount Abu received an incredible 8.4 inches of rain. The event lasted five days and left the Abuites without power, water, or internet access. This unforeseen interruption provided a brutal reality check for a populace that is dependent on modern gadgets, requiring them to reconnect with their natural surroundings.

Rebuilding Lives and Restoring Normalcy: Life on Mount Abu gradually resumes its normalcy. Residents are relieved that they have restored essential services. As the community heals from this unique occurrence, it serves as a reminder of nature's dominant force and the Abuites' perseverance in the face of hardship. Although the cyclone caused significant difficulty, it also provided an opportunity for introspection and appreciation of their surroundings.

Conclusion: Cyclone Biparjoy's unanticipated visit to Mount Abu, a first in the area's meteorological history, left the community reeling from the devastation wreaked by strong winds and unrelenting rainfall. The community came together in the face of this unforeseeable disaster, exhibiting resilience and a sense of togetherness. As life returns to normal, the Abuites begin to repair their houses, grateful for the restoration of critical services. We will inscribe this remarkable occurrence in Mount Abu's history as a monument to the locals' fortitude and tenacity.



 

Friday, June 02, 2023

The Neglected Lake of Mount Abu: A Cry for Help

Exploring the Enchanting Nakki Lake: A Jewel of Mount Abu.

"Overcast sky over Nakki Lake Mount Abu"
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu.
Photo per kind favour, Harry(Harnam)

"The stagnant green waters of the Nakki Lake when neglected"
Nakki Lake, when neglected

Nakki Lake — Reflect Governance


 Oh, Nakki Lake — once a mirror of sky and stone,now a mirror of us.Not of our beauty—but of our decisions. 

Green where you were blue,heavy where you once held light, you do not hide what we have allowed to happen.

These are not new ideas.

They are simply not being applied with consistency.



A Quiet Test of Intent


Oh Nakki Lake,you have become more than a landscape.

You are now a measure—of how seriously we take our own policies,

of whether governance extends beyond announcements,of whether protection can keep pace with promotion.

You do not need grand promises.

You need follow-through.

Because in the end,the state of your waters will not reflect what was planned—but what was actually done.



 A Sacred Lake, Reduced


 There was a time when the Garasia tribe came here in reverence—


to honour ancestors,to recognise some landscapes are not commodities.


 There was a time when the people of Mount Abu understood that.


 Today, that understanding feels distant.


The lake has become scenery—something to be used, not protected.



Growth Without Guardrails


 People encouraged tourism; it did not just arrive.


 Policies promoting hill tourism, expanding access, and increasing visitor footfall have, over the past decade, transformed Mount Abu into a year-round destination. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has done its job well—bringing people in.

But protection has not kept pace with promotion.


The Mount Abu Municipal Board struggles with a waste collection that is overwhelmed during peak seasons. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board sets standards—but enforcement on the ground feels sporadic at best.


 Meanwhile, the Mount Abu Eco Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee exists to prevent this kind of gradual degradation—yet the lake’s condition suggests that monitoring has not translated into meaningful intervention.

This is not a failure of intent on paper.It is a failure of execution in reality.



 A Lifeline Under Strain


This lake is not ornamental—it is functional.


 When supplies tighten, Mount Abu draws upon Nakki Lake, alongside sources like the Khodra Dam.


 The treatment, filtering, and redistribution of that water prompt an uncomfortable question: if the source is compromised, how much faith can we place in the system that follows?

Water security and environmental health are not separate issues here. They are the same issues.



The Comfort of Visible Work


 There is no shortage of visible effort—pathways improved, railings installed, edges beautified. These are tangible, budgeted, and reportable. But the actual work — controlling inflow of waste, managing sewage, regulating tourist pressure — is less visible, more complex, and far more critical. t is also where progress appears uneven.



Responsibility, Defined


Yes, individuals matter.


A tourist who litters contributes to the problem.


A resident who ignores it allows it to continue.


But institutional responsibility is not optional.


Officials do not enforce regulations that exist, they do not expand capacity that is exceeded, and they do not act upon warnings that are known—which makes responsibility traceable.

Not dramatic.

Not loud.

But undeniable.



What needs to happen now


 Not another announcement.   


Not another cosmetic upgrade.


 What Nakki Lake requires is coordination — between tourism authorities, municipal systems, and environmental regulators.


* Enforced waste management during peak tourist flow


* Regular, transparent water quality monitoring


* Clear limits on ecological load, not just theoretical ones


* Accountability mechanisms that extend beyond paperwork


"Selfie point I love Mount Abu at Nakki Lake"
Selfie point, I love Mount Photo, per kind favour, Harry(Harnam)


"A tourist attraction Boating on the Nakki Lake"
Boating on the Nakki Lake Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

"Nakki Lake strewn with garbage thrown by visitors"
Garbage in the lake Photo per kind favour Harry(Harnam)

"The beauty of the Nakki Lake enhanced by the setting sun"
Nakki Lake at sunset
Photo per kind favour, Harry(Harnam)



Tuesday, May 09, 2023

"Why do politicians and leaders visit Mount Abu and Abu Road in Rajasthan?"

Mount Abu isn’t a backdrop — It’s a political prop.

Rahul Gandhi will probably travel to Mount Abu today.

"Mount Abu City photographed from Achalgarh. a panoramic  view of Mount Abu."
Mount Abu City as seen from Achalgarh.

Let’s drop the pretence. The arrival of leaders in Mount Abu or their passage through Abu Road has nothing to do with the weather, the landscape, or spontaneous spiritual epiphanies. It is about optics, timing, and control of the narrative.

 With reports of Rahul Gandhi visiting the region and Narendra Modi scheduled close behind, the choreography is hard to miss. These are not coincidental trips. Appearances are calculated in a state where all signals are crucial, and all images are deliberately designed.

 The tourism industry presents Mount Abu as Rajasthan’s tranquil hill station, a spot offering cool air and peaceful contemplation. But it functions as something far more convenient: a clean, respectable stage. Stand near the Dilwara Temples, invoke heritage, nod toward spirituality, and the visuals write themselves. Make a stop at the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris, and the message is softened: peace, values, introspection. It is branding dressed up as belief.

 Then there is Abu Road — less photogenic, more functional, and therefore just as important. It is a gateway town, feeding into the steady human flow toward Ambaji Temple. With high footfall, easy access, and a mix of demographics, this ground allows for quick and efficient political messaging. If Mount Abu offers symbolism, Abu Road offers reach.

 This is how modern politics works. Not through spontaneous connection, but through selected locations that deliver maximum return. A hill station becomes a halo. The temple is becoming a talking point. A roadside gathering becomes “mass outreach.” They dress up the language, but the intent is blunt: visibility equals relevance.

 Rajasthan, with its volatile electoral swings and deep-rooted local dynamics, demands this kind of relentless signalling. No major party can afford to ignore even its quieter corners. But let’s not mistake attention for affection. These visits are not about understanding Mount Abu or Abu Road. They are about using them.

 Because once the speeches are done, the motorcades move on. The traffic clears, the banners come down, and the towns return to their usual concerns — water shortages, forest stress, unmanaged tourism, and infrastructure that keeps pace with promises. None of that makes it into the campaign frame.

 So the next time a leader arrives in Mount Abu or Abu Road, it’s worth asking: who is this visit for? The people who live here — or the cameras that follow?

 In today’s politics, places like Mount Abu are not destinations. They are devices. And the performance lingers once the spotlight shifts.