It was about six years ago when the population of Chiropteran bats, were fast dwindling in Mount Abu. Was anyone alarmed? Probably not! Isolatedly, when it was brought to the notice of denizens like Harjeet Singh Gujral, the renowned curio shopowner, he wondered, "I remember there used to be thousand bats on the way to my school. Now there are hardly any". When a few denizens brought this to the administration's notice, they just demanded proof for the importance of these creatures. As exulted by the creator of Uncle Sam, the great punster Mark Twain, who was all praise for this truly flying mammal, "I do not know any creature that is pleasanter to the touch or is more grateful of caressing, if offered in the right spirit." Even DH Lawrence was all admiration for this badly threatened mammal in his poem, 'Bats'. Zoologists agree that bat is rather important in animal chain.

For naturalists, the bat is a very important link in the animal world and is of great service in pollination. Large Fruit Bats can spread seeds throughout forests helping to plant new growth. Vampire bats have a special blood thinning chemical in their saliva. Micro-bat's echolocation is being studied to see if we can duplicate it to assist blind people. There are many bats that live on the nectar from the flower of plants. There are some flowers that only bloom at night and the bat is the only animal that assists in the pollination of these plants. Cacti, like the agave, are an example. Bananas, avocados, dates, figs, peaches, mangoes, cloves and cashews are other trees that all benefit from bats as they pollinate or spread their seeds. Bats make up a quarter of all mammal species on earth!

Rampant construction, cutting of trees and blasting of rocks in past, the dwindling bat population in Mount Abu had become a matter of concern for some. Then came the directive of the apex court of India and things began to look up for the poor bat. Rampant construction came to a halt, save for some isolated aberrations. La and behold, the miracle began to take place the population of this winged handed mammal began to swell in Mount Abu. As its hibernation was less disturbed in winters, more bats began to see though the harsh winters of Mount Abu and since last six years, they have been helping in pollination in the wild, otherwise how one would explain the sprouting of many saplings in places where man seldom treads. Evening rollicking brouhaha near the Dell Bungalow is a sight to see for all passers-by - both residents and visitors, announcing happy days are back again, not only for the bats in Mount Abu, but also for the fragile eco-system of Mount Abu.

Imagine you are walking deep into a forest and suddenly you chance upon something not only ancient but rather fascinating for it to be there. You go closer, dig a little and presto, you find remains buried in the recess of time, fortunately not digested by oblivion, yet. You feel like an archaeologist, who has, albeit unwittingly, just unearthed a wealth of archaeological treasure, in the deep jungles of Mount Abu, hitherto never known to any soul till date. You cannot resist screaming ‘Eureka’.

This is exactly what happened with the DFO Parmar with the CCF (Chief Conservator of Forest) Rajan. The able forest officer was amazed with the find, could not refrain from echoing his amazement to his juniors. “This is how Mogli Land must have been conceived by Kipling! Let us call it Mogli Land and develop it for the nature lovers to take a peep in the past and learn how folks must have lived then.”

Indeed, the officer was not far from the truth. The finds, with the discovery of the site, were astounding. Clay pots and much other bric-a-brac were found, once the digging took place. The most remarkable aspect was the type of bricks found. They were not only larger than those found nowadays but were heavier and far sturdier than any to the quality seen in present days.

With such amazing turn of events, how could the administration stay away.The young collector of Sirohi, Mahajan, took time out from his busy schedule and went to inspect the site with his forest officers and assistant director of tourism. He could not restrain exclaiming that the site must have been a sort of amid- way rest place for travellers of those days, more than 1,000 years back. the DFO was quick to concur his senior , adding that this truly is off the legendary , old card road “ ALONG which then elephant brought marble for the world- famous marble domes called temples . presently , the site is being developed with the apt sobriquet , MOGLI land ‘ as it has all the trappings of the ambience of what mogli land must have looked like in Kipling‘s imagination. One would have to be more that a nature lover to venture there. The nascent tranquillity is so real that one could strike a pleasant discourse with its reflecting language. Once one reaches there it seems that the search four self is over and you are finally with your self you were rummaging around all your life.

Tourism has flourished in Mount Abu. From leisure tourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism, and even business and education tourism, everything has received a good response. However, there was a visible absence of eco-tourism. It was this column that first informed readers about the development of eco-tourism sites in Mount Abu by the Mount Abu forest department, piloted by the able and visionary DFO parmar with his dynamic team.

Soon after the news appeared visitors began to trickle in interestingly, the first visitor particularly for this genre of tourism, was from abroad. He came after reading this column. Now the trend is picking up.

Various locations like Sun Rise point at Kapoor Sagar at Achalgarh, Tarzan Huts at Aarna and also Gaumukh Hanumanji sites are attracting visitors in hordes, particularly students from Gujarat and other places. The other day, girls from Bhavnagar were taken by surprise by the Tarzan Hut at Gaumukh Hanumanji site. It was like a contest to enter the hut by all the girls. They were awed by the entire ambiance of the beautiful, serene site. Their guide Dr. Bharat Pandit said, "I have never seen such commitment for the welfare and promotion of eco tourism.” The girls said in unison, “The site has inspired us and we will try to contribute to the cause of environment destruction in our own way. We will plant trees all our life and request others to do so.” That probably was the preeminent distillate of the whole exercise.

Source: TOI

Eco-Tourism facility at Mount Abu can be arranged here.

The great poet Rahim had said "Sans water, sans life". It is all the more pertinent for Mount Abu. This is because Mount Abu depends completly on the mercy of rain gods for its water supply. If they smile, Mount Abu thrives and if they frown it is thorn-crown for the whole year, till they are pleased with the havanas!

The story of unease does not end here. Even if rain gods are pleased with prayers, the present storage capacity of available rain water is a constant cause of concern for one and all.

The government of Rajasthan had long ago approved Salagaon Dam scheme to facilitate rain water storage. However, the scheme could not be implemented till date. Thankfully, the much-awaited D-day had finally came. A central government team will be arriving on February 16 from Delhi to have the concluding dekko and wave the green flag for the project.

Mount Abu really needed water reservoir for drinking water since a long time ,along with an increase in the local population, the influx of visitors from within the country and outside has also multiplied many folds. The last year saw more than 1.5 million visitors - more than any city in Rajasthan.

Notably, Mt. Abu has been making rapid strides to improve infrastructure for its civic amenities. the new roads in this tiny hill hamlet serve as the best example. Once 33 K.V. line from Anaadra to Mount Abu by the CEC (the Central Empowerment Committee of the Apex Court Of India) is approved, infrastructure development will gain momentum. Load shedding will be a passe when the line starts working.

With this, if the Salgaon Dam project materializes, categorically, Municipal Chairman Jalam Giri would become the proverbial Bhagirath that the ever indebted tiny hill hamlet would remember forever!

Source: TOI Author: Mr. A.K. Sharma

AN everlasting source of unbounded beauty and serenity lies in the Abode of Gods — Mount Abu. Part of Sirohi district, it is 29 km away from Abu Road Railway Station and 220 km from Jodhpur. Ascending the mountains covered with gigantic rocks and towering trees, the most scenic landscape awaits you. On the Rajasthan-Gujarat border, it stands atop the Aravalli range (4000 ft above sea level), receiving as many as 15 lakh tourists every year.

Mount Abu is steeped in myth, mystery, beauty, history and theology. 'Abu' literally means the son of the Himalayas. Mughal emperor Akbar was unable to tame and control over the Sirohi kingdom. Maharao Maan, the valiant ruler of Sirohi, (1562 – 1572) adopted Surtran, who bravely faced the attack of the Akbar’s hundred thousand soldiers. The prudent king Surtran took position at Achalgarh Fort in Mount Abu. The Mughal siege continued for more than six months but Akbar’s army failed to find a way up to the vantage position on the Mount, as every attempt was fiercely frustrated by Surtran’s alert and agile guerrillas.

The battle of Dattaani that followed in 1583 was one of the bloodiest in Indian history. It spelt a disastrous defeat for Akbar who never looked again at Sirohi.

Mount Abu has been home to Sage Vashishtha, who is believed to have given birth to four agnikula Rajput clans (Chauhans, Parmars, Pratihars and Solankis) to protect the earth from demons. Sirohi is also well known for Gautam Rishi’s ashram, which draws crowds in April every year.

Besides being a vacationer’s delight, Mount Abu beckons pilgrims and lovers of adventure sports. It also offers variety and diversity both in its landscape, flora and fauna, aristocratic heritage and properties catering to every pocket. The revival of polo after a gap of 37 years in Lothian Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, is an added attraction.

During British rule, Mount Abu was the Summer Retreat of the agent to the Governor General of Rajputana. And now every summer, the majestic Raj Bhavan dresses itself up to receive the Governor. One also cannot miss the summer houses of the erstwhile princely states of Bikaner and Jaipur which are now heritage hotels.

Another attraction of the place is the Nakki lake. Nakki is believed to be have been dug out with the help of nails (nakh) of gods to remain protected from the oppressions of Bashkali, a wicked demon. The lake, half a mile long and quarter of a mile wide, is surrounded by swaying date palms and green hills dotted with coniferous trees. One gets to see the jutting Tod Rock and the overriding beauty of the Jaipur Palace on the hillock.

Gandhi Ghat owes its origin and importance to the immersion of ashes of Mahatma Gandhi on February 12, 1948. Another addition to Abu’s heritage is the Raghunath Temple, established by the guru of Kabir and visited by Guru Nanak! Col James Todd’s Travels in the Western Rajputana gives a vivid description of this flourishing temple and all the amenities provided by the rulers of Sirohi state.

As the sun went down leaving the stars to shine, we decided to visit the observatory which was, indeed, remarkable. Located close to Gurushikir, the highest peak in the Aravalli range, it offers a commanding view as well as a good peep into the galaxy.

Crowds throng the oldest sun temple, dating back to 11th-13th century, where only the toe of Lord Shiva is worshiped. The exterior of the famous Dilwara temples

belies the inner beauty of sculptures and architectural grace. Housing five Jain Svetambara temples — Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pithalhar, Khattar Vasahi and Mahaveer Swami each belonging to different centuries.

Mount Abu boasts of a unique eco system with abundance of herbal medicines, orchids, species of wild rose, ferns, climbers, shrubs, etc. The rich biodiversity also has some endemic, rare and threatened species like the dicliptera abuensis, ceropegia odorata and hydrilla polysperma. The fauna is equally rich — it is an ideal home for sloth bear. While inspecting the works of the forest department on the tiger trail, there was sufficient evidence of their presence around. The occasional sighting of panther, sambhar, jungle cat, wolf, hyena, wild boar, grey jungle fowl, porcupine and myriad birds (150 species) is any visitor’s delight. The recent Supreme Court judgement to maintain and preserve the fragile ecosystem has been hailed by one and all. New construction in this town has been totally banned even as there was much pressure from hoteliers and commercial establishments.

Adventure and eco tourism is best known here with multiple treks, nature camps, rock climbing and nature trails. Some of the important ones are the Tiger Path, Craig’s Path, Sunset Point, Arna-Chhipaberi, Gaumukh-Bagheri, etc. Adopting its name from the British engineer, Trevor’s tank is truly a paradise for nature lovers.

Besides being the epicentre for Brahmakumaris spread all over the globe, Mount Abu is also rated as a good educational centre. Several new efforts to rope in tourists like the development of eco-tourism site at Aaarna village, camping site on Gaumukh Road, development of new Sunrise Point at Achalgarh, and launch of a massive plantation drive would certainly add to the glory of this place.

Article Source : The Sunday Tribune

In 1822, Col Todd, first British to set foot in mountabu, would have never thought that his rediscovery of mountabu would make it one of the most favored destinations both for tourism and pilgrimage. Undeniably he did caution to save these beautiful ranges from vandalism more so the area taken up by the British on lease from the then ruler of Sirohi state Kesri Singh Maharaj the salubrious invigorating verdant environs of mountabu was found to be so conducive that by 1850the British mountabu thought it most appropriate to make mountabu a recuperation destination for their ailing soldiers. With time they constructed the present road to mountabu now know as old cart road in those old days no one would have ever thought that the dusty road on which only a bullock cart plied once a day would have heavy vehicular traffic 24x7 throughout the year. By 1935 when Sanghi motors started their once a day service even the thought of round the clock traffic on this deserted road was a distant dreams. Today even after widening of the roads space constraint still pinches the rod users but the able planners of mountabu are dexterously maintaining a balance in development and the demands of local fragile eco system many new features are being added to make mountabu an attractive destination for all classes of visitors. In recent year innumerable activities have made mountabu a destination of choice revival of polo regular programms of Spic Macay arrival of mountabu own theater group. innumerable environmental activities by pfa and much more have taken place in current year, permission to shoot marble poems of Delwara, possibility of golf and aquarium near Nakki lake along with hand adventurous ropeway from honeymoon point to a Aanadra promise to make a memorable Deepawali for visitors the most up data addition is bikes on hire. The hottest feature has added a new class of tourism in mountabu a the youth tourism young souls from all over Gujarat arrive by train or bus and then hire bikes before setting off to mountains Sukant from Rajkot was all excited this is fantastic before this the exorbitant cost of travels discouraged us from coming to mountabu now.the story’s deferent we just wait for an excuse to be here and then it is all about taming the mountains on bikes true the bikers have added a new dimension to youth tourism in mountabu and mercifully the number s swelling by the day. Article By : Dr. AK Sharma

Visiting the Delwara temples in mountabu will now be much more exciting and rewarding instead of simply returning with images of the 1000 year's ‘young' spectacle etched in their minds visitors will be able to capture the poetry carved in marble in their cameras. Many a visitor has often commented that the temple is fit to be one of of the wonders of the world, no one has left the precincts without being craftsmanship of the temple complexes but all that is changing now with permission having been granted for photography so far no one was allowed to photograph the carving o the exquisite art work of the temple but this has been possible now because of sustained efforts of all concerned including the administration and Amrit Lal Jain and Rajesh Jain of Sirohi Photography will be allowed in the precincts of the hallowed com plexes of the temple with reasonable restriction. - TOI, Ahmedabad

Rajyogini Dadi Prakashmani, the chief administrative head of Prajapati Brahmakumari Ishwarya Vishwa Vidhyalaya popurarly known as "Dadima" passed away here today. In 1969, Dadi Prakashmani was appointed Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris when the organization was still a national entity. With generosity of spirit and unlimited vision as her prime motivators she has been able to guide the organization in its tremendous global growth. For her, administering so many centers in so many countries is like being a guardian to a global family. When asked “how do you manage?” she replies with a smile which fuses lightness with authority: “Like a family, the basis of this organisation is love, and it flourishes because it is nourished with trust and respect”. Her mortal remains have been kept for ‘darshan’ in the Diamond hall of Shantiwan house. The body would be taken to Pandav Bhawan tomorrow at 9.00 am, the international headquarters of the sect and kept at the central hall of Om shanti Bhawan to enable people to pay their tributes. Her body would then be brought back to the Diamond hall of Shantiwan house. The cremation would be held at on Monday. Dadi Prakashmani was born in 1922 in Hyderabad in Sindh province. In 1950, she left Pakistan and came to Mount Abu where she set up Madhuan, the head quarters of the sect. In 1969, Dadi Prakashmani set up the centres of Brahmakumari in India and in other 80 countries. Amongst thousands of BK supporters top religious, spiritual and political leaders paid her homage at Shantivan, Chief Minister Narender Modi was also present at the time of cremation at AbuRoad.