- BrahmaKumari's Dadi Prakashmani Cremated...
- Delwara's Beauty Can Now Be Captured
- Developmental Activities To Be Banned Near Mount Abu
- Eco Tourism Picks Up Steam At Mount Abu
- Eco-sensitive zone brings back bats to Mount Abu
- Exploring the last virgin forest trails..
- Festive Mood At Ambaji, Pilgrims Turn Up In Droves
- Melody, Mastiis Season's Mantra
- Mogli Land in Mount Abu
- Monsoon Situation Update From Mount Abu
- Mount Abu Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone
- Mount Abu Master Zonal Plan Draft 2030 Files
- NGT stays execution of Mount Abu's masterplan
- Revised Mount Abu Zonal Master Plan 2030
- Salgaon dam, Mt Abu's life line
- Summer Festival - May 2008
- The Road That Leads To Mount Abu
- The benign aura of Mount Abu
- Winter Festival 2008 & Security tightened in Mount Abu for New Year
- Recent posts
One stop information source for travel to Mount Abu with hotel reviews and direct hotel contact numbers.
NGT stays execution of Mount Abu's masterplan
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, has ordered a stay on implementation of a master plan for Mount Abu prepared by the Rajasthan government, giving a reason to cheer for the local green crusaders.
NGT's principal bench has asked the state government and the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) to respond to the petition filed by environment activist Arun Sharma within two weeks.
“We restrain the respondents or any other person from felling of trees. Constructions if any, raised presently would be subject to the orders that may be passed in the present application. The respondents would also not sanction any fresh plan for construction without specific leave of the tribunal,“ the NGT order stated.
The MoEF had declared Mount Abu as an eco-sensitive zone in June 2009 following recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Mohan Ram committee's recommendations that found the hill town to be an eco-fragile area and that immediate measures must be taken to stop ecological degradation.
The petitioner said that the master plan allows construction on the agricultural land and huge chunks of green hills would be destroyed for commercial construction considering a population increase by 2030.
Besides, any provision of buffer zone around any wildlife sanctuary or eco-sensitive zone has been thrown to the winds, where construction has come up right on the toes of Mount Abu.
Sharma said the master plan serves no benefit to the local denizens or hotel businesses, except to a handful of land satraps from various states.
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2015 Monsoon Situation Update From Mount Abu
Dear tourists, as you know that Mount Abu is one of the prime tourist destinations of Rajasthan, and is visited round the year. This year, due to the week-long heavy rainfall around July end, the road from Talhati at Abu Road to Mount Abu has been badly damaged due to landslides.
As a result of the ongoing repair work, all traffic to and from Mount Abu is being carefully regulated by the local administration. During the night hours, all traffic is prohibited as a precautionary measure. Heavy vehicles including tourist buses are not being allowed at all, and movement of small vehicles is closely monitored.
MESSAGE FROM SDM OFFICE :
Efforts are being made to open the road for small tourist vehicles. The information regarding smooth flow of traffic will be updated on this page as soon as it is received from the local administration. Any further developments will also be regularly updated.
In case of any further weather related damage, traffic may be further restricted. Tourists are therefore advised to plan their visits accordingly.
For further information, please contact Tourist Reception Centre Mount Abu at Ph: 02974-235151, 9460039672 Email: [email protected]
Update : 07 August 2015, 10 A.M. - Small tourist vehicle movement on the road to Mt Abu has finally restarted after a 10 day hiatus. Vehicles are being allowed in groups of 20 behind an escort vehicle, with guards manning all vulnerable points. Clear directions have been issued to not attempt overtaking. In case of bad weather movement will be immediately stopped.
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Revised Mount Abu Zonal Master Plan 2030
The original Mount Abu Zonal Master Plan 2030 was modified after listening to public objections and opinions, the changed zonal-plan is available for download as an layered PDF file here - http://bit.ly/MountAbuZonal (individual layers can be turned on/off for better visibility).
Supply limited land-usage and construction restrictions in eco-sensitive tourist destination "Mount Abu" makes land here high valued, and this is the reason voices against high-level corruption and favoritism to wealthy and capable have now started to surface. Local people and their elected Nagarpalika representatives have now came out publicly against the corruption, alleging the new Zonal master plan is made to profit a few by making their lands which fall in green area as commercial - where existing residential and commercial land is shown under Eco-sensitive green belt. Here is an EXCLUSIVE report from HBC news reporter - Mr. Kamlesh Prajapat.
You can comment anonymously (without revealing your identity) and post your opinions below.
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[EXCLUSIVE] Mount Abu Master Zonal Plan Draft 2030
Thanks to Mr. Narayansingh Bhati, Nagar Palika Councilor, Mount Abu we are hereby able to post these "Mount Abu Master Zonal Plan 2030 Draft Files" for public use.
- Deepesh Agarwal
Draft Files for Zonal Master Plan Of Mount Abu Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) 2030 :
- 8000_Landuse_2010_FINAL_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
- 8000_Landuse_2030_FINAL_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
- 8000_Town_Area-Model_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
- 16000_Landuse_2010_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
- 16000_Landuse_2030_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
- TOURISM_MAP_MOUNT_ABU_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
- Town_Area_Map_16000-Model_www.MountAbu.Com.pdf
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Exploring the last virgin forest trails..
Tiger Path is the last of the virgin forest trails left in Mount Abu,with all the excitement from the Jungle Tales and Tarzan comics,so much so one is rewarded with the Tarzan Hut atop a Mango Tree, at the end of the trail. It was one of the earlier paths to Mount-Abu also known as Old Cart Road. The ancient and the sacred hills of Arbud have been the abode of the Gods. They have also been the hermitage of the Vedic Rishiis, a place of pilgrimage-for the Hindus and the Jains alike and a place of military vantage throughout history.
Since 1835 AD, Arbud has been a jewel amongst the hill stations of India with its beautiful, ex-citing jungle trails like The Bailey’s Walk, Craig’s Path, Saal Gaon trail, Palanpur Path, and more arduous the Utroj path and Sher Gaon path etc. But, indeed, Tiger path takes the cake! It is also the way to one of the most ancient temples on earth, the Rishikesh Temple, nearly 7,000 years old - Mount Abu could well be the cradle of civilization!
During the Vedic times 10 narrow mountain foot paths led to the hills of Arbud. In historic times one pony track from the village of Anaadra was laid out on the Western hill face of Abu and another broad road along which even elephants could come was laid out on the Eastern slope of the hill of Arbud, which terminated at Achalgarh,the capital of Mount Abu. The marble for the thou-sand year old Delwara Temple was brought on the elephant back and in the bullock carts along this broad road.
In 1778 AD Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu emperor of India climbed along this broad road to consummate his marriage with the daughter of Prahladan, the founder of Prahladanpur, which for the last 2-3 centuries is known as Palanpur. Prahladan was the younger brother of Dharavarsh Pramarg the mighty ruler of Arbud. The invasion of Mahmud Gaznavi in 1025 AD, of Sultan Allaudin Khilji of Delhi in 1298 AD, and the Sultan of Gujarat in the 15th Century AD came along this route, which is now in total disrepair and the thick over growth of forest prohibits any access along this route, but the pony track to Anaadra is very muchin use as of date.
In 1881 AD the new road was opened along the Eastern slope of the _hill from Mount Abu to Kharari Railway Station (Abu Road) via St. Mary’s High School, touching the plains at Rishikesh. This project was undertaken by His Highness Maharajdhiraj Maharao Sir Kesari Singhji Bahadur of Sirohi, GCSI, KCSI and British Engineers were deployed for the work. It is romantically reminiscenced as “Old Cart Road”. In 1917 AD the preseirt tarmac road that links Mount Abu to Abu-Road was laid out via Chipaberi (probably thewell of Chipa).
Since 1835 AD, Arbud has been a jewel amongst the hill stations of India with its beautiful, ex-citing jungle trails like The Bailey’s Walk, Craig’s Path, Saal Gaon trail, Palanpur Path, and more arduous the Utroj path and Sher Gaon path etc. But, indeed, Tiger path takes the cake! It is also the way to one of the most ancient temples on earth, the Rishikesh Temple, nearly 7,000 years old - Mount Abu could well be the cradle of civilization!
During the Vedic times 10 narrow mountain foot paths led to the hills of Arbud. In historic times one pony track from the village of Anaadra was laid out on the Western hill face of Abu and another broad road along which even elephants could come was laid out on the Eastern slope of the hill of Arbud, which terminated at Achalgarh,the capital of Mount Abu. The marble for the thou-sand year old Delwara Temple was brought on the elephant back and in the bullock carts along this broad road.
In 1778 AD Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu emperor of India climbed along this broad road to consummate his marriage with the daughter of Prahladan, the founder of Prahladanpur, which for the last 2-3 centuries is known as Palanpur. Prahladan was the younger brother of Dharavarsh Pramarg the mighty ruler of Arbud. The invasion of Mahmud Gaznavi in 1025 AD, of Sultan Allaudin Khilji of Delhi in 1298 AD, and the Sultan of Gujarat in the 15th Century AD came along this route, which is now in total disrepair and the thick over growth of forest prohibits any access along this route, but the pony track to Anaadra is very muchin use as of date.
In 1881 AD the new road was opened along the Eastern slope of the _hill from Mount Abu to Kharari Railway Station (Abu Road) via St. Mary’s High School, touching the plains at Rishikesh. This project was undertaken by His Highness Maharajdhiraj Maharao Sir Kesari Singhji Bahadur of Sirohi, GCSI, KCSI and British Engineers were deployed for the work. It is romantically reminiscenced as “Old Cart Road”. In 1917 AD the preseirt tarmac road that links Mount Abu to Abu-Road was laid out via Chipaberi (probably thewell of Chipa).
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Mount Abu Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone
Mount Abu is now officially declared an eco-sensitive zone by Government Of India to preserve its natural beauty, despite strong objections by local community the notification finally got passed by GOVERNMENT OF INDIA - MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS on 25 July 2009, the notification clearly states limiting traffic and banning use of plastic bags among other things in and around the notified area of Mount Abu Eco-Sensitive Zone.
You can find the detailed 10 page official report ahead :
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Winter Festival 2008 & Security tightened in Mount Abu for New Year
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place at Mount Abu in Rajasthan with over 45,000 tourists, mostly from Gujarat, thronging the hill station to welcome the New Year.
Stringent checking of important places, frisking of tourists and their baggage’s has been undertaken in the town situated at 5,742 ft in the Aravali ranges and sprawling over 5,000 acre.
According to deputy superintendent of police Chensingh Rajpurohit, "Besides regular police officials, additional force, including an inspector two sub-inspectors and 100 jawans have been deployed in wake of prevailing situation after Mumbai terror attacks." Closed Circuit TV cameras (CCTV s) have been installed at all important locations in the mountain town and intensive checking is being carried out at the very climbing point and also at toll collection point."
"Besides tight security, policemen in civil dress ate on the move at public places like Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain temple and other tourist attractions too look out for mischief mongers," he said.
Hotels, which are doing' brisk business, have been asked to install CCTV's at all important places in their premises. "No is allowed in the hotel without a valid identification," Rajpurohit added. Meanwhile, tourists continue to swarm Mount Abu; braving cold and chilly winds. The three-day Sharad Utsav (winter festival) jointly organized by Rajasthan Tourism and Mount Abu NagarPalika also got off to a glittering start on Monday, Deputy director, Rajasthan Tourism, Udaipur, Sumita Saroj said, "Skating, 'mehndi' and rangoli competitions are some of the major attractions in the festival. A 'Lagan' cricket match of 20 overs played on Tuesday stole the show."
According to municipality chairman Jalamgiri, “ As many as 45,000 tourists are already on the hills and number is increasing daily. At present, the night and morning temperatures are being recorded in minus."
MountAbu has turned into a favourite destination for newly-wed couples too. If NRI couple Pranav and Rohini experienced a memorable winter of their life, Maunas and Shital from Panipat in Haryana said they want to visit this place every year.
Winter Festival 2008, Invitation Card and Program Schedule:
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Melody, Mastiis Season's Mantra
It is the month of Saturnalia, month of Hecate, month of Yuletide and even the month when Busho would have told of, "Lighting one candle/ from another/ winter night", while Garofalo would have moaned of, "Bitter wind/ autumn cold/ shivering lips" and someone would have exulted, "December sunrise/ the wind tries to deliver/ all of the postman's letters"! And for Mount Abu, it is time for the winter festival once again that promises vivid, vibrant renderings, juxtaposing purpose with pleasure.
The festivities will kick off on December 29 at 9 am with performers from across the country painting the hill resort with melody from their region, diverse raiment and traditional accessories. The streets of Mount Abu will don a festive look during this period. While shehnais will be played at, the toll barrier, their melody reaching every corner, the Army band will play every evening. Amid all this, a variety of contests will take place, including a cricket match with the proverbial Lagaan clash between visitors and administrators, on December 30. Gaiety and sobriety are assured to be hugging each other ili the best of bonhomie! While Indian Idols will rock the nights of December 30 and 31, santoor savouries and Sufi strains will intone their serene mist of calm in the cold of December! The former will be rendered by Dr Varsha Agarwal,the sole lady santoor maestro and the latter by Parveen Rangeeli.
Indeed, a tulle-fog would fill the sky, singing - 'Auld Lang Syne' to joyously bid farewell to the past and herald the new with the hope of peace and prosperity for one and all!
- An Article By : Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, Mount Abu via Times Of India
The festivities will kick off on December 29 at 9 am with performers from across the country painting the hill resort with melody from their region, diverse raiment and traditional accessories. The streets of Mount Abu will don a festive look during this period. While shehnais will be played at, the toll barrier, their melody reaching every corner, the Army band will play every evening. Amid all this, a variety of contests will take place, including a cricket match with the proverbial Lagaan clash between visitors and administrators, on December 30. Gaiety and sobriety are assured to be hugging each other ili the best of bonhomie! While Indian Idols will rock the nights of December 30 and 31, santoor savouries and Sufi strains will intone their serene mist of calm in the cold of December! The former will be rendered by Dr Varsha Agarwal,the sole lady santoor maestro and the latter by Parveen Rangeeli.
Indeed, a tulle-fog would fill the sky, singing - 'Auld Lang Syne' to joyously bid farewell to the past and herald the new with the hope of peace and prosperity for one and all!
- An Article By : Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma, Mount Abu via Times Of India
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Developmental Activities To Be Banned Near Mount Abu
Industrial and other developmental activities will soon be banned around famous cultural heritage and tourism hotspot Mount Abu nestled in the lapse of the Aravali range in Rajasthan.
The environment ministry has issued a draft notification to declare the area around the destination as a eco-sensitive zone so as to restrict industrial and other developmental activities for protecting its fragile environment.
The draft notification issued last month under the Environment (Protection) Act is applicable to Mount Abu Municipal Council area, sanctuary and adjoining forests regions covering 12 villages including Sanigaon, Jaogaon, Dilbara, Uriya, Jawal, Achalgarh, Salgaon, Torna, Dudhai, Hetamji and Arna to name a few.
"We have invited comments from the public in general. Final notification will be issued two months later," Deputy Director Neeraj Khatri in environment ministry told PTI.
Significantly, this is the first eco-sensitive zone declared in the Northen State wherein steps have been taken to protect the bio-diversity in the region particularly in Sanctuary spread over 288 kms which is visited by tourists in a large number every year.
Mount Abu, situated in Sirohi district comprising of tropical dry deciduous forests at lower altitude and evergreen forests at higher altitude is known for several endemic and rare species.
Besides, it has natural heritage as Nakki Lake and man made heritage like Dilwara temples. "Once the area is notified as eco-sensitive zone, the flora and fauna in the sanctuary-- there is a majority of Sloth Bears and endemic plants--will be protected," RN Mehrotra, Rajasthan chief conservator forest said.
Source : Archana Jyoti, New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI)
UPDATE: Mount Abu Eco Sensitive Notification
The environment ministry has issued a draft notification to declare the area around the destination as a eco-sensitive zone so as to restrict industrial and other developmental activities for protecting its fragile environment.
The draft notification issued last month under the Environment (Protection) Act is applicable to Mount Abu Municipal Council area, sanctuary and adjoining forests regions covering 12 villages including Sanigaon, Jaogaon, Dilbara, Uriya, Jawal, Achalgarh, Salgaon, Torna, Dudhai, Hetamji and Arna to name a few.
"We have invited comments from the public in general. Final notification will be issued two months later," Deputy Director Neeraj Khatri in environment ministry told PTI.
Significantly, this is the first eco-sensitive zone declared in the Northen State wherein steps have been taken to protect the bio-diversity in the region particularly in Sanctuary spread over 288 kms which is visited by tourists in a large number every year.
Mount Abu, situated in Sirohi district comprising of tropical dry deciduous forests at lower altitude and evergreen forests at higher altitude is known for several endemic and rare species.
Besides, it has natural heritage as Nakki Lake and man made heritage like Dilwara temples. "Once the area is notified as eco-sensitive zone, the flora and fauna in the sanctuary-- there is a majority of Sloth Bears and endemic plants--will be protected," RN Mehrotra, Rajasthan chief conservator forest said.
Source : Archana Jyoti, New Delhi, Nov 9 (PTI)
UPDATE: Mount Abu Eco Sensitive Notification
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Festive Mood At Ambaji, Pilgrims Turn Up In Droves
Ambaji (Banaskantha): The most famous fair in Gujarat at Ambaji was teeming with people since its commencement on Thursday. In the two days, an estimated three lakh devotees had visited the mela at Ambaji which was echoing with the shouts of 'Bol Mari Ambe Jay, Jay Ambe'. The ll-km-long Trishulia Ghat route towards Ambaji town was decorated with festoons, flags and colorful lights.
The temple administration expects the number of devotees to increase this time. "We are expecting about 25lakh pilgrims to visit Ambaji Temple and the mela," said PK Jadeja, temple administrator.
All roads leading to Ambaji are choc-a-bloc with singing and dancing devotees. Many devotees are on way to Ambaji to invite the Goddess to play Garba with them in the coming Navratri. Karsanbhai, 42, was walking all the way to Amba¬ji from Radasan in Mehsana District. "We are going to give an invite to Mother Ambaji to play Garba with us this Navratri. There is a strong belief amongst the believers that the Goddess visits her devouts during Navratris," he said. "Our request would be granted once we personally invite the Goddess Ambaji," said Kashiben (45) and Santokben (62), who are part of the groups on way to the temple from Kheralu and Pilucha in Mehsana.
District collector and chairman of temple trust RJ Patel said, "We have made good arrangements to make one of the biggest fair a memorable event. We have made arrangement for free food for those coming to visit the temple congregation." Arrangement for free food and refreshment has also been made by voluntary organizations from Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and other places. Besides, primary health camps have been set up at a distance of every 5 km. A mobile ambulance van having medical officer and nurses and equipped with sufficient medicines has been stationed on the roadside to meet any emergency situation.
Meanwhile, tight security arrangement has been made for the ongoing mela. As a security measure, police have installed 25 close circuit television sets at strategic locations to monitor the activities of the visitors both inside and out- side the temple premises.
Via: TOI By: Pramod Panwar
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