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
    

Mount Abu Pristine streams are now Cesspools APPALLING

Mount Abu Pristine streams are now Cesspools 

Mount Abu prides itself on being a nervous eco-friendly environment and a sanctuary. It has over the years enhanced the tourist facilities, and today tourists favouring it as one of the most favoured destinations in Rajasthan. The environment of this place has worsened due to commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and encroachment on the hillsides.
In the past, our streams were beautiful with clear water and fish, crabs, frogs, and snakes. I remember gathering rosary beads along the stream flowing past Pilgrim Road. Today all that is history with modern buildings, schools and farmhouses occupying the open places that once were the paradise of the birds and beasts. The Abu that had a magnetic pull on us while we studied here has lost a lot of its charm. It has eroded this Abode that held me captive with its primitive charm and beauty just like our lovely streams. 
Abu over the last decade or so has been the victim of thoughtless and poorly planned development and decisions. The mammoth project for re-filtering the stream water flowing down to Abu Road has been suspended for over a year and the crores spent on this project now seems a certainty that this white elephant will be another failed project to poor planning on part of the administration.
Due to a lack of space for septic tanks, hostels and large institutions use underground pipes that lead to the streams of Abu for wastewater management. The streams near Delwara, Gyan Sarovar, and NeelKant Temple roads are polluted by cesspools that release untreated waste. The stream in front of my house is one of the worst affected by untreated effluents and chemicals. The stench in the evening is turning bad to untreated effluents that are released in Kumarwada has a drastic effect on areas close to the stream.
If our local Municipal Board has an interest in the well-being of Mount Abu, it should immediately take action to rectify this problem. Failing to protect our ecosystem and clean water resources will have disastrous consequences soon. This will impact our eco-friendly environment. 
I’m posting a few photographs to illustrate how the stream has been affected by sewage and what is happening to the aquatic life, which also has a drastic effect on the bird and animal life dependent on the waters of these streams.

Foam forming from chemicals and effluents

Fish gasping for air

It's a matter of time 

Will they be here tomorrow?

Need to be transported to a cleaner environment for survival

They have put huge Bins along the roadside for garbage disposal

They still dump their garbage into the stream.

The picture above I snapped on 11 Dec 2016.

Weather [ First September 2016 ] Mount Abu

Mount Abu weather September 2016.

Last night, like I do most evenings this time of year, I checked the Insat-3D Satellite Images to see if there would be torrential or regular rainfall over the night and the next day. I also consult the weather.com for forecasts. Until I look at satellite images to see if there will be rain during the night and the next day. The amount of water increased by the hour. Then, at about 6:30, the torrential rain subsided, and by seven o’clock, it had stopped. The creek in front of the home had turned into a semi-raging torrent, ready to consume anything that crossed its path

Weather reports are okay, but as climate changes, their dependability in the face of Mother Nature diminishes. I just glanced at the inset image, and it appears like we might get sunlight tomorrow. I went for a walk to look at the night sky, and for the first time in many days, I saw stars. We’re hoping for a restful night. I’d like to wish everyone a wonderful night by providing a few photographs taken with my phone. Goodnight.

I was supposed to publish this morning, but there were no lights for much of the day, and the internet was acting up on this end. 

By the way, because Paddy Bridge was overflowing, the day pupils of St. Mary’s enjoyed a holiday. I recall how we yearned for our sunny vacation during our time together. That was back in the day. 

 The stream at 7am today

Leopard of Bhadurpura Rescued (Foot hills of Mount Abu)

On the night of July 9, 2016, a female leopard prowling near Panchayat Bhadurpura had an unexpected mishap. While exploring the area, the leopard fell into an open well, startled by something nearby.

Rama Grasiathe, upon returning to his house, noticed pug marks outside his premises. Curious and concerned, he checked the nearby well and spotted the trapped leopard. Without delay, he informed the village folks, who gathered to view the animal. He alerted the local police, who arrived at the scene. They informed the forest official KG Srivastava about the incident.

Srivastava acted, notifying the wildlife rescue team in Udaipur. He instructed his men to maintain a night vigil at the well, ensuring the leopard’s safety until the rescue team arrived.

The following morning, the rescue team used nets to haul the leopard to the surface. After rescuing her, the team tranquillized the female leopard and transported her by placing her in a cage. They sent the cage to Mount Abu to ensure the animal’s well-being.

We expect to release the leopard tonight near Gaumukh. I am relieved and happy that the team has rescued this leopard, especially given the declining leopard population in Mount Abu.

Here are some snaps of the leopard, received via WhatsApp from Charles Guide of Mount Abu. Thank you, Charles, for your concern for Abu’s wildlife.

 Female leopard rescued