Mount Abu Monsoon Madness: A Changing Climate Tale

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

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.

Mount Abu echoes with the roar of the monsoons. [August 2022]

 The monsoon is active again in Mount Abu. There will be more showers to come.

The roar of the monsoons Mt Abu. 2022

It has been raining since 1 July 2022 on Mount Abu. It poured relentlessly with a vengeance on the hilltops, dales, gorges, and plains. There was a roaring river on Abu Road. It flowed from bank to bank, just below the bridge. The rainfall roared in Abu, bringing the hills and cataracts to life, spewing fiercely with fury, threatening ridges, bridges, roadways and pathways with intensity.

There is JOY and anxiety in the monsoon in Abu for the Aam Abuites. The showers exhilarated the jungle with their life-giving water. The reservoirs of Abu overflow to everybody’s delight. Rationing of the water supply will remain the same, “Every Second Day.” Tourists enjoy the falling rain like fish leaping out of the water. The gushing waters, waterfalls, and whirling mist are a welcome alleviation from the sweltering hot weather of the plains. 

The Abuites won't get a break from the rainy weather as the Met Department forecasts another round of rainfall next week. advise Mount Abu guests that while dancing and frolicking under waterfalls in a realistic area can be thrilling, they must avoid entering the rapids rushing downstream at all costs as it can be treacherous. Monsoons have already taken three lives this year with their rushing intensity. BE SAFE, TAKE CARE, AND DO NOT DO THE DARE.

Paddy's Bridge submerged, day scholars, get a holiday

Paddy's Bridge St Mary's Road.mp4

Per kind favour Sahil via WhatsApp 

Keep tuned will add more snaps and videos of events as they unfold.

Monsoons in Mount Abu [ 3/08/2022 ]

Monsoons in the Abode of Gods 

Orange sky at night tourist  delight

In the land of the Rajputs, water is one of the biggest problems. Mount Abu, which is known as the oasis of Rajasthan and the abode of gods, also depends on the monsoon season. During June, we received a few welcome showers. These showers were a blessing to the parched forest that had seen forest fires. Suddenly, the arid forest appeared as if it were a garden of Aden after these showers. The forest fires would now be put on hold until next summer. I, for one, breathed a sigh of relief.

Our monsoon started on July 1st of 2022, so it blessed Abu with rain every day throughout July. This heralded the start of our monsoon 10 to 15 days in advance. The fog fell like it was from the sixties, lowering clouds kissing the canopy of the now green forest, gurgling streams, waterfalls, misty showers, and sometimes even pelting rain. The mountain heaves a sigh of relief this year. 

According to the information below, Abu has been given its annual quota of water. The bodies of water in Abu are full, reassuring us that there is enough water to last until the monsoon season.

Gauge Report Mount Abu

Dated 2-8-2022 Tuesday

☔️Rainfall= 22 mm

🌧Total Rainfall = 42 inches

Lower Kodra Dam=  58'/59'

(1153.53/1188ML)

Lower khodra Dam an inch to overflow 3 Aug 2022
per kind favour Crescentia teacher St Mary's school 

Upper kodra Dam=28'/33'

(302.4/414ML)

NAKKI LAKE=12.25/12.25Mtr

(1215/1215ML)

They have predicted that August will receive a higher-than-average amount of rainfall this year. Monsoon is one month when Gujaratis flock to their favourite watering holes in droves. With occasional downpours to heavy showers, the monsoon is enticing. Mountainous greenery, overflowing streams, and gushing waterfalls are all major attractions of the year. It is the season of joy in our abode during the monsoon, as tourists from all over India flock here.

I advise those travelling this way to make their reservations well in advance, as Abu will be flooded by 15 August 2022 with tourists scrambling for hotels and rooms.

Abuites are praying for a respite from this gloomy spell of non-sunny days so that they can once again enjoy the sunshine.

Mount Abu shivers night temperature down to 0 C. [ 17 Dec 2020.]

 Mount Abu Freezes at 0 degrees.

Mount Abu Freezes at 0 degrees.

Abuites woke up to a frosty morning. Last night was chilly and the chilly wind made it worse. A wonderful time to sit out in the garden and bask in the sun. November was exceptionally chill this year. The first week of December was pleasant.

With the return of the retreating monsoons, Abu goes back to face the cold wave that is sweeping Rajasthan. Night temperatures have fallen constantly. Last night Abu saw its first 0 degrees for this winter season.

Temperature Mount Abu 16 Dec 2020
(Snapper kind favour Anil. Babbar's Den-An Elegant Homestay.)

"Greetings from Mount Abu "

May you be immune and safe from the COVID-19 virus this winter.

Greetings to our graduates and students in the Year of the Pandemic.

Hopefully, with the rollout of the vaccines, life will normalize.

[18 Dec 2020 ]

Cold wave in full swing. 

Last Night's Temperature

Frozen dew

Frozen dew

(Snapper kind favour Anil. Babbar's Den-An Elegant Homestay.)

Frost 18 Dec 20

Frost Polo ground Mount Abu 18 Dec 20

(Snapper kind favour Deepesh: WHY HOTEL Agroha?

Monsoons in the Abode of Gods.[ 07/09/2020 ]

 Monsoons Mount Abu in the year of the Pandemic 2020.

Paddy Bridge

This year, we had a few showers in lengthy intervals during July. They recorded only 6 inches of rain. August, the rainfall was erratic, and we had most of our rainfall at the fag end of the month. We observe an increase in climate change every year. Rainfall has become more variable, extreme, and catastrophic. We are now into the first week of September and yesterday the rain gods took it upon themselves to rain down cats and dogs. The torrential downpour for an hour and 30 minutes flooded not only our streams but the roads and all our water bodies, our two dams Lower Khodra and Upper Khodra dam the Nakki Lake overflowed, sending cascades of water down the hillsides. 

The met report now states our retreating monsoons are in play. Guess we will see a few thunderstorms before it finally peters out.

The tourists who were descending and those climbing the hill were in awe of the spectacle they witnessed. I’m posting a few pictures sent to me via WhatsApp about the events of yesterday.

Paddy Bridge

Tourists



Below are videos sent to me per kind favour Ms Trina.

Trina on the dam 

Per kind favour Ms Trina 

Mount Abu 6 Sept 2020

Received vis WhatsApp

THE SPECTRA OF TOURISTS [ IN THE PANDEMIC YEAR 2020 ] Mount Abu

Mount Abu sold out on weekends 

TOURISTS IN THE PANDEMIC YEAR 2020 MT ABU.

The lockdown in April 2020 brought Abu's tourism industry to a standstill. Our summer season saw the collapse of our tourist visitors. The brutal blow meted to Abu’s main livelihood affected all. Abuites faced a bleak future. It was impossible to predict when or how the coronavirus pandemic would allow travel to resume. With virtually all travel halted, and no silver lining to the dark monsoon clouds, tourist recovery seemed a pipe dream.

This oasis in the desert of Rajasthan became a magnet for thousands of tourists after the 15th of August 2020, when travel restrictions were lifted and the lockdown period was relaxed. Our Gujarati neighbours flooded Abu every weekend for a quick spree. The crowds that landed here gave one the impression that the most dreaded pandemic in the history of modern man had ended. Personally, this baffling rush and the volume of traffic coming into Abu has left me apprehensive about the safety of our Abuites. This gravitation of the Gujaratis for Mount Abu in droves makes me think here of the adage “Like moths drawn to a flame”. 

Our country has not reached a coronavirus peak, and the long-term implications are unclear. Every day one reads in the papers of leaps and bound by COVID-19 NEW CASES. COVID is out of control in our country and the only solution is a vaccine to stop it. They set India on becoming Numero 1 on the cover impact!

Will update you on the events of our retreating monsoons soon. Keep in touch 

Mount Abu an update of events post Lockdown period [.Aug 2020.]

 Pandemic threat and Lockdown blues Beckon tourists to the GREEN OASIS OF Rajasthan.

Plummy From School per kind favour Brother Agnello

Before I go further with my rants on Mount Abu, let me wish all of you well.

May the glory of our Independence Day be an inspiration for us to achieve greatness in life. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY.

Monsoons in Mount Abu, with its pitter-patter, clouds swirling through the trees, and misty conditions playing hide and seek with the subdued sunlight from above, are a major attraction for our Gujarati visitors. Post 15 Aug 20 and this weekend has seen an exceptional influx of tourists. The lockdown has made people want to escape their homes and find some freedom. The charm of the cool and misty conditions is a thrill. The waterfalls along the hillsides are a great attraction. For the vacationer, this brief trip is a welcome change from being cooped up because of the lockdown.

Abuites are happy that such a large volume of tourists have visited this abode, but the bummer should this be a short-lived euphoria that comes crashing down on the local populace who, if exposed to COVID-19, brought via these visiting guests. Guess only time will tell. “Be positive, be safe, wear your mask, keep your social distancing. Coronaviruses are not a joke, there is no cure. If you contract it prepare to die.

Misty Mount Abu

An accident waiting to happen at waterfall Mt Abu

(Photo via WhatsApp )

Waterfall Mt Abu

(Vid via WhatsApp )

"A beautiful waterfall on Mount Abu, with water tumbling down the rocky terrain and surrounded by lush foliage and trees."

I will post updates on wildlife, and other events shortly 

Awaiting the Rain Gods of showering its Blessings on the abode of gods Mt Abu.

Abuites are apprehensive, as, like most places in Rajasthan, water scarcity is a bitter reality.

Anticipation hangs in the air as Mount Abu eagerly awaits the goodwill of the Rain Gods to shower blessings upon this sacred abode. The threat of water shortage, however, lingers over the region, a grim reality that many areas in Rajasthan experience.

Despite the parched circumstances, Mount Abu has received some relief as a couple thunderstorms accompanied by 10 inches of rain. This rain has cooled the area, nourishing the slopes with vigorous growth of plants and grass, changing Abu into a green paradise. There has been a distinct shift in the weather pattern, as seen by the blossoming of trees such as the Jacaranda and the Golden Showers tree, which normally flower in spring but are now adorning the landscape.

Cassia fistula - Golden Shower tree 

Jacaranda tree 

Wild dates of Mount Abu

However, the monsoon's progress experiences delays, resulting in the meteorological service classifying it as a monsoon break. According to a recent snapshot of INSAT-3D IMG, experts expect the shortcoming to worsen. The monsoon season in Abu looks to be starting in the second week of August this year, a delay that is being keenly studied for meteorological updates.

Amid this climatic unpredictability, there appears to be no overt appeasement of the Rain God by Abuites.  The neighbourhood’s plea for safe havens and rain continues to go unanswered, as the community waits patiently for the much-needed monsoon showers to return. Stay back for more weather reports from Abu as we make our way through this fascinating climatic tour.

Monsoon break condition 

To read more on the monsoons in Abu, click the link below: 

⇓

 “Monsoons in Mount Abu" 

Impact of post Monsoon on Mount Abu. [ 20/09/2018 ]

 Down to earth for Abuites.

Took this snap while driving down Abu Road with Harry & Mohan

Plummy with its mantle of green.

The fading sun smiling on thee,

The monsoons have retreated,

The fruit trees are preparing,

Hope for the fauna

To survive the onslaught of the coming,

SUMMER.

As the monsoons in Abu conclude by the end of September, with only an occasional shower lingering into early October, we must prepare for what comes next. The Rajasthan Government, along with local authorities, must develop a comprehensive action plan for effective water resource management. 

Abu needs to address the ongoing water mismanagement and repairing the leaks in our existing reservoirs. Construing new dams is essential to meet the demands of our growing population. The concerned citizens of Abu have put forth countless proposals and recommendations, only to be met with the government’s slow response. It’s high time that we, the residents of Abu, take a stand and push the authorities to pay serious attention to the challenges we face.

I’ve heard through the grapevine that our household water supply will soon resume, but with significant restrictions. We may receive water every three days, and if the situation worsens, this could extend to every four days.

This is a heartfelt appeal to both tourists and fellow Abuites: Please take care not to dispose of garbage or waste into our precious Nakki Lake—it is our lifeline. During the summer months, especially in times of drought, the water from Nakki Lake sustains our homes. Let’s work together to protect this invaluable resource for the sake of our community’s future.. 

More on the LAKE Click

Nakki Lake

Monsoons in the Abode Extreme and variable Mount Abu.

Weather report Monsoons in Mount Abu 13 Sept 2018

Ms Trina. on Lower Kodra dam

Snaps in this post per Kind favour Ms Trina.

The Monsoons have been extreme and variable over the Abode of the gods since the year 2010. The dry spell that haunted Mount Abu prior to 2010 was over. All our water bodies, the lake, reservoirs and other small water bodies since have all overflowed. 

Last year, torrents of sudden record-breaking rainfall devastated Abu. Mt. Abu: Received 141mm on 23rd July 773 on 24th July and 734mm on 25th July 1698mm in 3 days “On 23 July 2017” Mount Abu Recorded the highest-ever recorded rainfall in its history in the last 100 years. 

The changing climate scenario, over the last decade, goes to show that there is an increase of weird and extreme monsoon seasons that pose catastrophic events of flooding or drought in an area not affected before. 

In contrast to the last 8 years of recording plentiful rain, this season so far has been below average. The Nakki lake has still 31/2 feet to overflow. Our Lower Kodra dam our main water supplying dam needs another 20 feet of water to overflow.

Lower Kodra Dam

Lower Kodra Dam

Gauge Lower Kodra dam

20 Feet to GO.

It's doubtful if the rain gods change their favour and smile upon their Abode and shower some more rain to tide us over for the year of 2019. We Abuites will just have to resign to the fact that our water supply will continue every alternate day or if the need is every third day. The days are still cloudy but, the weather report has confirmed the retreat of the monsoons in our area.

Link: Lower Khodra Dam Overflowing Mt.Abu Sept 13, 2010.

Weather update in The Abode of Gods Mount Abu.

Escaping the Scorching Heat: A Sojourn from Ahmedabad to Mount Abu

Ahmedabad, during the sweltering months of April and May, felt like an inferno. The extremely hot weather and water scarcity made people sweat and worry a lot. In such unbearable conditions, the people of Gujarat sought respite, flocking to their beloved getaway, “The Abode of the Gods,” at Mount Abu. Yet irony prevailed, as the caretakers of comfort found themselves facing discomfort.

The hot temperatures, traffic, and lack of parking options frustrated tourists visiting Mount Abu. Despite the escape from the oppressive heat of Ahmedabad, the experience on Mount Abu was far from ideal.

Liz thought I was going to Konk, so she sent me to Abu on May 21st. It was nice to be back home and feel the cool winds here. The weather isn't as refreshing as expected, but it's better than the scorching plains.

The sky, as I write this, is overcast, indicating the likelihood of imminent pre-monsoon showers and thunderstorms. The pressing concern, however, lies in the unfinished road infrastructure. The ongoing roadworks, with cables and sewage pipes being laid, pose a risk as the monsoons approach. Incomplete sections of the road could spell disaster for travellers. We need to finish these projects quickly to avoid chaos and difficulties caused by unfinished roads.

We are hopeful that these crucial projects will be completed before the monsoon season to prevent potential catastrophes. We await a smooth and safe passage for travellers on the roads by crossing our fingers.

Looking Forward to our first pre-monsoon shower. 

Nature a life of connections Mount Abu.

Nature: A Life of Connections in Mount Abu

 “Nature Captured in My Photos,”

Photography redefines the way we view. It all began with a desire to capture the beauty of nature, like the vibrant colours of flowers, the graceful flight of butterflies, and the thriving animals in their natural habitats. What started as a hobby has turned into a journey of discovery, deepening my connection to the surrounding environment.

Have you ever noticed the magic that unfolds every single day? Nature offers us a silent, constant symphony. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the sight of sunlight filtering through trees—it all has the power to stir the soul. And when we take a moment to see and listen, our minds do a joyful double somersault in awe of the beauty we often take for granted. 

My photographs aim to capture fleeting moments, like a butterfly on a flower, the intricate detail of a leaf, and the beauty of Mount Abu at sunset. My collection is still amateur, but each photo carries a story, a fragment of nature’s endless wonders. 

I invite you to join me on this journey. Let these images serve as a reminder that beauty exists everywhere if we just open our eyes to it. Pause for a moment, inhale, and let the beauty of nature soothe your senses.

Golden Shower, Amaltas tree

Outstanding leap by the Grey Langur

Bougainvillea flowers

Butterflies This year there was a huge influx of butterflies

Butterflies 

Butterflies 

Butterflies 

Canna Flower

Checkered Keilback

China Roses

Common Toad

Crab

Daman or Rat snake

Daman in my garden

Daman

Datura or Devil Trumpet

Desert Rose

Desert Rose

Doodi Flower

Dragon Flies

Dragon Flies

Garden Lizard

Golden fish in our stream

Garden Lizard

Geranium flowers

 

Honey Bee

Indian Grey Mongoose

Indian Grey Mongoose

Indian Grey Mongoose

Monitor Lizard

Grey Langur troop

Grey Langur troop

Grey Langur

Grey Langurs leaping from the Tower

squirrel

Goldfish in the stream

Passionflower

Passionflower

Passionflower

Peepul tree

Pink Shoe flower

Purple Shoe flower

Canna flowers

Purple wasp

Rat snake

Bunches of Roses

Yellow Rose

Rose 

Roses

Roses

Bunches of roses

Roses

Shoe-flowers 

Tentacles

Abu's  Pride

Common Toad 

Water snake basking

Water snake with prey

Water snake with prey

White shoe flower

Desert rose white

Wild gooseberry flower

Yellow shoe flower