THE GREEN MONSTER IS HERE TO STAY Mount Abu

The Green Menace has spread its tentacles in Mount Abu.

Water hyacinth Abu Streams.

Water hyacinth Abu Streams.

The Water hyacinth has permanently invaded all our streams, covering our scarce water bodies with a weed cloak. This has doomed the viability of the existing ecosystem concerning the immediate areas around the streams. The little silverfish, which used to abound and serve as a food source for the visiting birds, are no longer visible. 

Birds such as

( White Throated Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail,  Little Black Cormorant, Little Grebe, Crested Serpent Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Kingfisher) have not been returning as the stream is choking with the hyacinth weed.

The Lantana species that was introduced to Abu should have been a loud warning signal to our administration. Because of the extensive growth of Lantana, a mat-like structure is formed, which leads to the degradation and destruction of biodiversity. The Lantana has intruded on and snuffed out the terrain of the flourishing Karonda bush and the wild rose (Roses Abuensis) bushes. As a result, to see them, one needs to go in search of them. 

The municipality sent their workforce to clean the streams earlier in the year, but just sweeping the surface has had no effect! It’s like our modern generation with plastic bags. 

In the last few years, the Forest Department and our local administration have taken steps to curtail the invasive species (Lantana)from spreading by planting native flora species.

This GREEN menace has to be taken on a war footing; our Forest Department should take up the issue and employ our locals who depend on the forest for their livelihood, not only would it contain the forest from being depleted of its precious trees, but give meaningful and productive employment and keeping this hungry monster at bay.

 Taking concrete and constructive steps will help in affecting the ecological equilibrium.

Alluring and bewitching the Water hyacinth flower. Mount Abu

The water flower hyacinth invades a thousand freshwater bodies worldwide.

Water hyacinth flower. Mt Abu

How did the water hyacinth enter Mount Abu?

Unravelling the Green Threat: The Stealthy Invasion of Mount Abu’s Freshwaters by Water Hyacinth

The infamous water hyacinth has taken root in the calm highlands of Mount Abu, famed as the abode of gods, and spread its emerald tentacles over a thousand freshwater bodies worldwide. This water plant, which appears to be a stunning bloom at first glance, has found its way into the heart of Mount Abu, raising doubts about its origin and the environmental implications it bears.

The Water Hyacinth Mystery: A perplexing mystery surrounds the water hyacinth in Mount Abu. Abuites in the region recall a time when this invasive plant was absent from their scenic landscapes. The shift occurred sometime between the swinging sixties and the eventful eighties, leaving many to wonder how this green intruder infiltrated the sanctity of the hill station.

An Abuite’s Story: Harnam, often known as Harry, a seasoned Abu inhabitant, solves the mystery underlying the water hyacinth’s arrival at Mount Abu. Based on his account, the invasion commenced with a grand wedding reception years ago. A surplus of colourful flowers and plants, including the unwary water hyacinth, made its way to the hills as part of the festivities.

After the festivities came to an end, the surplus decorative plants became a treasure trove for the Abuites, as they were sold at discounted prices. Nobody knew that among the brilliant blossoms, the water hyacinth had tucked itself into the streams along the pilgrim route. The unsuspecting introduction of this innocuous plant would quickly create an environmental threat to Mount Abu’s water ecosystems.

The Unexpected Consequences of That Joyous Celebration: The water hyacinth, once an exotic addition, has morphed into a green threat, spreading its tentacles throughout Mount Abu’s freshwater bodies. The invasive nature of this plant has alarmed residents, environmentalists, and officials alike, causing authorities to take immediate measures to stop its growth.

Conclusion: The water hyacinth, a quiet invader whose beginnings may be traced back to a time of celebration and flowery excess, now has Mount Abu’s calm vistas in its grasp. As the green menace spreads, it serves as a harsh warning of the unforeseen environmental consequences that can result from seemingly innocuous activities. To learn more about the complexities of this ecological dilemma, follow the link: "Green menace spreading its tentacles in Mount Abu."

Mount Abu The Abode: Mount Abu Pristine streams are now Cesspools APPALLING "An update"

 Mount Abu Pristine streams are now Cesspools APPALLING

Every morning opposite my Abode, a White-throated Kingfisher wakes me up from my sound sleep with his shrill whistle chi-keeeee, the rattling calls are there to tell me it's come looking for its breakfast. It knows it must hunt in the silent and slightly cleared stream. It knows it must have a morsel or two of either a crab or some surviving fish before the rising sun or else look for food on the land to survive.

Water hyacinth has overrun the stream further down, and the tiny streamlet now choking with chemical affluence taking its toll on the teeming miniature living creatures will very soon be a cesspool where even misquotes would find it difficult to breed.

The weeds spreading over the surface of the stream, remind me of us human beings, they are as prolific, mobile, diverse and not fussy about where they live, adapt quickly and are a pain in the ass to do away with.

It pains one to see all our natural beauty and resources are not at the mercy of our corrupt bureaucrats, politicians blah, blah, but for us common denizens, who have lost our responsibility and reasoning to this modern way of living pursuing pleasure and entertainment away from wonderful nature. We LOOK but we do not SEE.

I’m posting some snaps of the fate of the fish in our stinking stream.

The weed spreads its tentacles 

My morning alarm clock, the Kingfisher is at the stream at dawn,

Doomed to die like the rest 

Pathetic state

 Not many left 

Green menace spreading its tentacles in Mount Abu

Water hyacinth choking the mainstream Mount Abu.

Water hyacinth choking the mainstream Mount Abu.

Mount Abu's Battle Against the Green Enemy: Immediate Action Required to Save Precious Waterways.

Mount Abu, the tranquil abode of gods, is under attack by a relentless invasion of water hyacinth, which threatens the very essence of its immaculate streams. As this green scourge spreads its tentacles across once-renowned water bodies, local authorities must act quickly to avert permanent harm to the ecology.

Water hyacinth, an apparently harmless plant, has established a foothold in Mount Abu's freshwater ecosystems, posing a serious danger to the outlying areas, particularly up to the beloved Sunrise Valley. If left uncontrolled, the persistent proliferation of this plant might spell death for all Abu streams, undermining the entire purpose of the embankments and tiny dams built for rainfall gathering.

Consequences for the Environment: The influence of water hyacinth goes beyond its beauty, with potentially devastating environmental implications. The unhindered growth of this invasive plant might result in a significant increase in water transpiration, hastening the drying of streams. The hyacinth blanket over the water prevents sunlight from penetrating, lowering water quality and leading to environmental dangers as rotting portions collect.

Biodiversity loss: Once brimming with life, the once-vibrant streams now wear a smothering blanket of green. Water hyacinth is a direct danger to biodiversity because it suffocates native aquatic plant species, and forces bird species to seek alternate habitats. Silverfish and other aquatic species face an unclear future, while the approaching calamity threatens forest regions, putting wild animals depending on these crucial water supplies in danger.

A Call to Action: As the water hyacinth spreads unabated, the Lower Khodra Dam Abu, the major drinking water supply, is on the verge of a disaster that might endure for years. Urgent action by local authorities is required to halt the spread of this green threat and maintain the natural equilibrium that has distinguished Mount Abu for decades.

Mount Abu's battle against water hyacinth is a rallying cry for all participants. The moment has come to act, as the very core of this precious dwelling is under attack. Let us band together to conserve the precious streams, ensuring that Mount Abu remains a symbol of tranquillity, free of the invading green tendrils that threaten its natural beauty.

 I will miss the many varieties of birds that I have clicked on these streams. Here are a few pictures over the years that I have clicked in this area.

Water Birds shot over the years at this stream

From top to bottom: White Throated Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant,

                    Little Black Cormorant, Little Grebe, Crested Serpent Eagle
                    Common Kingfisher, Black-winged Stilt,  Pied Kingfisher