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Sunday, December 31, 2017

Happy New Year 2018 From Mount Abu.

Happy New Year 2018 From Mount Abu.


Moon on New Years Eve.

WELCOME TO MOUNT ABU THE ABODE OF GODS.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Leopards of Bera

Bera’s Battle: The Struggle Against Commercialisation Threatening Leopard Paradise

In Bera, people peacefully resist commercialism to maintain the tranquillity of their farmlands and untouched nature. Tourism focuses on changing from the outdoors to air-conditioned hotels and flashy resorts. The popularity of leopard safaris has affected the realism and tranquillity of these animals' natural habitats.

Bera is attracting large investments in hotels, and resorts as more people become fascinated by wildlife. The cost of commercialisation threatens the balance between tourism and wildlife preservation. I went to Bera on December 16, 2017, to see an old acquaintance, "The Leopard Man of Bera," I was disappointed to witness a profound shift in the Bera I once knew. Commercialization and population growth threaten the village's efforts to maintain harmony between tourism and wildlife. An awful state of affairs unfurled before my eyes. I witnessed an awful state of affairs as safari jeeps and their unruly passengers filled the previously protected environment from the secretive leopards roaming. My buddy Devi reported that he once counted 45 safari jeeps stationed, all excitedly expecting a glimpse of the gorgeous leopards.

Despite seeing a leopard and photographing a cub, the shadow of worry hung large. These quiet and secretive species may soon retreat farther into the void. The extinction of leopards is not just a tragedy for wildlife enthusiasts but also a catastrophic turning point for Bera.

As commercial interests continue to intrude on these superb creatures’ natural habitats, Bera’s future is in peril. The delicate balance between booming tourism and wildlife preservation is in danger.  Let us not lose sight of the intrinsic value of the untamed beauty that makes Bera special and worth preserving in our pursuit of riches. Another larger disaster might yet occur. The mining sector has set its sights on mining in the Bera highlands. Despite being kept at bay, they will have their way shortly because of the clot. Money Speaks! 

Drive through one hamlet.

A typical village scene.

Crocodile at one of the water bodies.

I saw very few migratory birds at the various water bodies.

To fascinate oneself with leopards.

click the link below









Thursday, December 14, 2017

Mount Abu Update.

Mount Abu News

The electricity department meter reading person was on his beat in the Delwara area on 11 Dec 2017. While moving from one house to another, he was confronted with a vile smell of rotting flesh from a house, he immediately informed the neighbours and the cops. The cops on entering the house found two corpses lying on the floor, Apparently, the duo who happened to be father and son had died a few days earlier. They recognised the bodies as Kastur Rana the father and son Jagdish Rana. 
Their bodies on instruction by DSP Vijaypal Singh were forwarded to the state morgue. Here a team of doctors from the medical board conducted the post-mortem. Dr N.K.Goyal and Dr Tanveer who performed the post-mortem put the cause of death as strangulation and concluded it was murder. An investigation has been initiated. 
Will keep you all informed as the events unfold.
  
The temperature of the Abode of the Gods had been constantly dropping since Sunday. Night temperatures have been hovering around 5 to 0 degrees. Abu witnessed its first frost in a few places on the 13 Dec 2017 morning. Tourists heading this way are invited to carry woollies. Also, for those planning to hire two-wheeler taxis scarves and gloves are a must. Welcome to a chilly stay in the Abode of the Gods.

I believe there was a bear attack on a man on 12 Dec 2017. Haven't got much for this event but if more is forthcoming I'll keep you all posted. Time to get out and bask in the sun. 

WELCOME TO THE ABODE.
WELCOME TO THE ABODE.



Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The All India Radio Broadcasting Tower Mount Abu

The All India Radio Tower Finally undergoing maintenance

The tower Finally getting a facelift.

It’s been eons that the All India Radio tower in Mount Abu has seen a maintenance crew ever working on it. Last week out of the blue I saw some men currently working on the tower, they have been at it for now close to a week. Finally, the tower light that had been out for a very long time has been replaced and the tower has its light just in time for Christmas. 
The maintenance crew is at the moment busy painting the girders of the tower. I’m posting a few snaps showing you the men in action. It looks like a daredevil team in action. They have worn their helmets but as for safety belts well that’s something else.

Look at this bloke; he’s walking on the girders as if he’s taking a walk in the garden.

The monkeys that frequent this tower must be pretty envious to see these chaps at home on the girders.

Doing a bit of yoga to relax the mind and body.

Look at the action.

These are our lads working their asses off against the chilly wind all day long without proper woollies, no bloody safety belts and throughout the day maintaining a happy disposition. They need to be applauded 3 cheers to THEM. 
THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT NOW IS 5 DEGREES. PROBABLY HAVE FROST TOMORROW MORNING. 






Monday, December 11, 2017

Death of Cub SLOTH BEAR Mount Abu.

Sloth Bear cub dies in the Sanctuary.

Remains of bear cub discovered by Charles.

Hikers from the UK and Spain who were with Charles 

Dead bears are seldom observed in the wild. There has been the instance where two cubs were found to be dead due to drowning in Abu and one instance where an adult bear was found killed by poachers. The mortality rate for bear cubs in the Abode of the gods is quite low. This is the first time that a record has been recorded of a death of a cub in the sanctuary.Charles guide who was on one of his regular treks yesterday with foreigners happened to come across a bear cub who apparently had died quite sometime earlier. He immediately reported the incidence to the concerned authorities. 
On receiving the news a team was immediately sent to investigate the death of the cub. DFO Hemendra Singh, was there to oversee the autopsy conducted by Veterinarians; Dr. Amith Choudhary, Dr. Sandeep Choudhary, and Dr. Nitesh Arora. No foul play was observed as all body parts were intact. I was informed by my family Doctor. Dr. A K Sharma who was also present there that the cub had died of pneumonia.