Extreme Measures & Extreme Arrangements- Mt.Abu

Extreme Measures , Extreme Arrangements- Mt.Abu

The paradox of our situation here in Mount Abu is that we have the monsoons pouring rain and the decision of the Lions Club and the local authorities of feeding the lake with rainwater from streams with the aid of 25 odd water tractors and tankers, has been looked upon with utter scepticism and disbelief by the Abuites.

The local Newspapers are claiming that this is one of the largest water harvesting projects taken on in Rajasthan. Even though it seems like carrying coals to Newcastle as the monsoon is still underway here and by the law of averages the lake should overflow by the end of the monsoon period.

This action on the part of some of the residents to feed the lake with about 2 lakh litres of water daily over a period of days just goes to show the desperation and the shortfalls of the administration for this place. The upper Kodra dam that needs desperate repairs and plugging went untouched throughout this dry spell, at the moment this dam has about 7 feet of water, the lower Kodra dam a month ago had only 17 feet of water, today has 42 feet of water. If the monsoon continues to favour us like the past week we should see better days in the coming year.

We have learnt to survive electrical cuts, blackouts with heavy showers, and rationing of water in times of dire drought. In short, we are quite prepared for the
Third World War!

The Tractor tanker emptying its water on the lakes fringe

Tanker being filled from the stream flowing into Paddy’s bridge

Members of the Lion Club and others Overseeing the project.

My jaunt around Abu these last few days

The heat has been really oppressive this last fortnight and I could not make up my mind to brave the direct scorching heat of the summer sun. I did venture out after 6 pm. I wanted to see how the water holes were fairing this summer, the situation is grim , all water bodies that serve as watering spots for the animals have run bone dry ,there is just enough water in one or two spots to last for may be another 10 days. The pictures I’m posting will give you an idea of what the bleak future for the wild animals will be in another few weeks if the monsoons are delayed.

The water level at the Trevor Tank in the heart of the sanctuary is only 50%

Another few days to go before the Dhoondai stream runs dry

The Minni Nakki lake bone dry

The lake on the way to Achalgarh Bone dry

The minni Nakki Lake "Some Lake"

The Jawai Catchement area on the way to Guru shaker

Another few days to go and a village with depleated water supply

The Nakki lake a sight for sore eyes

A lake with all its ribs exposed

Tankers waiting in line at Oria

Another lot at another fuitful water well Oria