'Smart city' status? Give Shimla its lost lungs first, please

Dharamsala  hogged the headlines this week on being granted the status of a second state capital, evoking mixed reactions. Our first capital Shimla has been in the news too: city planners are reported to have been busy figuring out how to make Shimla a ‘smart city’. With a  chuckle, I wondered, “Are they really serious?”     

To me, what Shimla needs right now is admission in the ICU rather than its guardians  getting worked up about making it ‘smart’.  It is groaning under the weight of ugly, reckless urbanisation. Government lands have been encroached upon by the rich and powerful with impunity. Trees have been felled on one pretext or the other. Illegal, multi-storeyed, haphazard constructions have gone on at an alarming rate unchecked, defying safety codes and regulations. Spurred  by unabashed 'greed-and-gain' (लोभ-और-लाभ ) mania , even steep slopes have not been spared in this mad scramble for building and owning a property in the capital city by the unscrupulous manipulators. Sadly, the successive governments and the civic authorities have - either overtly or covertly - been a party to the brazen loot and plunder of land and nature, utterly unmindful of the environmental costs that would eventually follow.  It has been going on for decades. And they still pass acts to condone and regularise these criminal transgressions of all kinds and even holding up a protective umbrella for these perpetrators and beneficiaries.

Shimla for me is almost a dying city. In the summers it suffers acute water shortages putting the hapless residents and the visiting tourists to nightmarish hardships. Or, the water is contaminated causing hepatitis, jaundice and gastroenteritis. And there are dead bodies - having gone unchecked for weeks and months - rotting in the water storage tanks. Traffic jams are a routine occurrence, a part of daily ordeal. Space for vehicle parking is woefully deficient. In winters, the scenario is much worse. One heavy spell of snowfall and life at once comes to a grinding halt. No water, no power, roads blocked, communications hit…as we saw 2-3 weeks back… and for days together. Health services are a shambles. How shocking that a new-born died in a reputed hospital owing to power outage and there being no adequate back-up!

The way the Shimla hills have been eroded, degraded and dynamited, the way the buildings defying norms, defying earthquake restrictions, defying basic structural safety standards superimpose each other, Shimla sits on a virtual time bomb of a major catastrophe. If an earthquake strikes see what great tragedy of unimaginable proportions would unfold.  One shudders to think. God forbid!

Respected planners and thinkers, sirs and madams, Shimla is gasping for breath right now.  It has already become nearly unlivable. Please, resuscitate it first. Give it its lost lungs. Inject some oxygen and blood. Then and then alone it would make any sense to hold these brain-storming sessions in your cushy, centrally heated VIP chambers for making it a ‘smart city’. And also please stop these appeasement doles. Bestowing ‘freebies’ at the cost of public money and thereby crippling the state’s economy may (or may not) yield quick, short-term political dividends  but it certainly is bad governance and bad politics in the end. Stop pampering the violators of law at the cost of the fragile ecology of this (erstwhile) ‘Queen of the Hills’, at the cost of the law-abiding citizens. Please make your development plans robust, visionary, futuristic and environment/eco-friendly. Lastly, rev up and rejuvenate your Disaster and Relief Control  units, and give muscle and wings to your fire departments  so that these services are able to provide timely help and succour to those in need, as was needed in fire-ravaged Tangnu.

Before spending crores on ‘smart cities’ (and second rajdhanis even, I dare say), please provide basic facilities such as safe transport, good communications, and prompt, adequate health care in the hinterlands so that the pregnant and ailing women do not have to walk long miles on foot or have to be ferried on cots and chairs for miles by the good Samaritans.

Please for God’s sake let's  get our priorities right. History and public are silently watching and they spare none.
And I say it all as an आम  आदमी, without any bias or prejudice for or against any political party because इस  हमाम में हम सब  नंगे  हैं !

      

              'Queen of the Hills' is nearly bursting at its seams

*

Of  books and women

Although company of  books and women is both inspiring and seductive, both are strictly a personal, individual choice. Therefore proffering suggestions and making recommendations for me would not only be rather arrogant and presumptuous but even hazardous- especially in the latter case (the goddamn ‘age tag’ only makes it worse!). I can however safely speak about books that I have just read or am reading and leave the rest for you to decide and judge.

One of the books I finished reading a few weeks back is: 'The Great Derangement'…. by the well-known Indian writer Amitav Ghosh.  I must confess that it is beyond my comprehension at places but on the whole it provides a deeper and wider perspective on climate change and lays bare some startling facts about its history, politics and the complexities involved in putting in place a tangible global plan to combat it.  It also poignantly informs us about what a major climatic catastrophe is waiting to hit this planet. It also exposes the hypocrisy of world powers (including the USA and Barack Obama) in addressing the  climate issues and how the Paris pact has fallen  far short of expectations.

The second book which I have read about 200 pages of, is Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee’s ‘The Gene’.  I find it gripping and engaging. The prose is scintillatingly beautiful;  the story and history of gene in all its manifestations couldn’t have been told more beautifully and elegantly. Even a non-biologist can find it  worth his time to turn its pages and marvel at the  author's erudition, the scale and depth of research and felicity of expression each sentence in the book sparkles with. A rewarding, elevating read indeed!

                                   *

Environmental facts

* Mumbai set to become hotter by 2100:study

* Soon 'green' shopping bags made from shrimp shells (DH)

* 60 % of world's non-human primates face extinction; study (DH)

* Novel solar-powered bicycle to combat air-pollution (DH)

* Humans, not climate, wiped out Australian megafauna: study (DH)

* Pollution-checking units commit fraud, fudge tests  to give clearance certificates to  polluting vehicles for a price in Delhi (India Today)     

                                                     *

Quotes of the week

* Compassion and love are at the core of everything

           - Dr B M Hegde, medical scientist and

                    educationist

* Don't name public property after politicians

          -Rishi Kapoor (ToI)

* I don't believe in religion, nor in nationalism,

    I believe in one world. I believe in rights,

    humanism and rationalism

          -Taslima Nasreen, Bengladeshi writer

* Education makes people humane

          - Dr B M Hegde

* Every girl is truly a blessing to the entire family
              - Actor Shahid Kapoor

                                    

                              *

Week's select headlines

Soon AI systems that see world as humans do

        -Deccan Herald

One in five adults secretly accesses partner's Facebook accounts

        - Deccan Herald

Three men in Uppsala, Sweden, were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of raping a woman and streaming the assault live to private Facebook group

         - New York Times

US student team plans to brew beer on the moon

         - The Hindu

Bengaluru kids healthier than peers across country

          - Deccan Chronicle

SC gives govt 9 months to bring new TB regimen

           - Deccan Herald

Kim Kardashian's stolen jewellery re-cut, sold in black market

           - Deccan Herald

Woman (in Karnataka) gives birth to baby with 4 legs and 2 male sex organs 
              - Times of India

Sitting idle for 10 hours a day can age you badly

            - The Te Cake

Eating burnt toasts, and roast potatoes, baby foods and biscuits are linked to cancer: study

             - Foods Standards Agency

                            

                                  *

Last word

It is no secret that various billionaires, corporations, and 'climate entrepreneurs' played an important part in the Paris negotiations.
                     - Amitav Ghosh in his book 'The Great Derangement'

Scale of climate change is such that individual choices will make little difference unless certain collective decisions are taken and acted upon.

                        - As above

Cell biologists look; geneticists count; biochemists clean- Arthur Kornberg

                  - Siddhartha Mukherjee in his book 'The Gene'

Like musicians,like mathematicians - like elite athletes - scientists peak early and dwindle fast.

                   - As above

                                                     *

PS

'Yours truly' will be away to Northeastern lands of 'Mera-Bharat-Mahan' for two weeks. Therefore keeping a date with you may or may not happen during the period...Shall be right back after mid Feb.   

                                              

                         ***

Well done prison inmates!

Human creativity knows no end. What a delight  to read a news item in the print media about a very innovative and sweetly creative endeavour that has been underway in the prisons of Himachal Pradesh. Of these, perhaps the prisoners in the Model Central Jail at Nahan have taken the lead over the rest. They are doing all sorts of interesting things: weaving, baking, tailoring, farming, cooking and pottery besides learning several other trades. In this way they are not only putting their idle hours to productive use but are also using their creative talent and energy to producing items of value. In the process they are earning money and are being a support to their families while still in jail. Further, this is a laudable step in ensuring their honourable rehabilitation after their jail term and a life of dignity and self-esteem. (The news item shown below will provide you the details, in case you missed reading it.)  How inspiring!

What actually entranced me the most is the mufflers being woven by the prison inmates at Nahan with an image of HP’s state bird, the Western Tragopan embroidered on them. Called ‘फुलगर’ in our पहाड़ी dialect, this shy, reticent inhabitant of Himalaya’s high altitudes is not only one of the most spectacularly beautiful birds, as most pheasants are, such as Monal, Koklas and Cheer, but is also a  rare and endangered bird severely threatened with extinction. Therefore, here are these splendid mufflers not just attractive to look at but also with a hidden message about the value and importance of this rare bird species; and a subtle way to creating awareness about conservation.

Who would not like to grab such a beautiful work of art buying which makes sense in so many ways and helps a cause…many a cause in fact?

                                                                             

But we all know that such efforts do not happen of their own accord. Someone has to stop being a stereotype, step out and transcend stifling conventions and take on a path different from the trodden one. And in the present case that man is Mr Somesh Goyal, DGP (Prisons). He has been the motivational force, the inspiration and the guiding light to show the way to the prisoners. Surely, we need such inspired and enlightened persons and leaders at the helm:  men and women who can think out of the box,  who  can shed their straitjacketed approach to sarkari duty, cast aside their babudom to make positive impact on the lives of people and thereby transform society into a healthy and a happy one.

Let’s all therefore put our hands together for Somesh Goyal, his team of officials (including the Nahan jail superintendent Gopal Lodta and not the least, all those prisoners in the 14 jails who are creatively involved in these activities. May your tribe increase, Mr Goyal!

                                                         

                                                        *

An amla a day

We are all only too familiar with: An apple a day... Agreed that apple is a super fruit. But trust me, the humble, unpretentious little amla (gooseberry) is no less. No doubt it doesn’t enjoy an elitist status of many other fruits we eat but in health benefits, it is a match for any and all. (Moreover, the way the expensive fruits are ripened with the highly carcinogenic Calcium carbide at most places, seriously compromises their overall quality and instead makes them rather a health risk.)  Coming back to amla, take Vitamin C. It beats all the citrus fruits in its net content. Then, it is rich in fibre, is packed with calcium, iron and chromium and much more. Amla improves your immunity against infections and cold, improves your skin and hair texture and is a more powerful antioxidant than the famed pomegranate, with all its attendant benefits of disease prevention and anti-ageing properties. So what else would you expect from this juicy little olive green ball? For more  info on its nutritive value, net search will have a lot to tell you.

Therefore next time you go to the sabziwalla, grab some amlas and start eating them right away regularly, and stay healthy, light and cheerful.

I prefer eating them raw. In fact the smaller, desi variety is not that sour. You can easily pop one in your mouth and slowly chew it. The bigger ones are a bit too tangy. I grill them and mix them with my daily helping of sprouts with a dash of some herbal salt and lemon. Some health experts recommend amla juice. I, a layman, do not. Juice loses on fibre. Eating fresh and raw is the best way, believe you me.

So mind you:

While an apple a day keeps the doctor away,

An amla a day will keep ageing and ailments at bay,

Therefore eat one…till they last the season…every day



                   
          
                                  

I love my bowlful of amla-rich sprouts as much as my glassful of evening tipple. You are welcome to both at my home, if you are a good company and value time, but in the latter case it will have to be reciprocal!  

                                                         *

Environment notes

Climate change shows in shrinking Antarctic snows

E-waste rising dangerously in Asia: study

Oceans may have more plastic than fish by 2050: WEF study

Air pollution killed 81000 in Delhi and Mumbai, cost Rs 70000 crore in 2015: study by IIT Bombay (ToI)

Mumbai set to become hotter by 2100: study

                                   *

Quotes

"Anti-science culture is growing, need to engage and educate."

         - Nobel Laureates who were in India to attend Nobel Prize series India   Programme 2017.

"We'll be okay." 
         - Barack Obama to his supporters in his last press conference as US Prez               (NDTV)

"NATO is obsolete."

         -Donald Trump

"Demonetisation has hit India's growth."

         - IMF

"Is WhatsAPP a private service or public utility."

         -Supreme court

"You are a role model for me."
         - Amir Khan to Zaira Wasim, the 'Dangal' girl who has been needlessly trolled by some sick-heads

"I'm more comfortable in the company of women."
         -Shah Rukh Khan (ToI)

"Father loved his cinema, booze, leading ladies."

         -Rishi Kapoor on his father-filmmaker Raj Kapoor

"दर्द तराशता है, दर्द संवारता है; दर्द ही मेरा ईंधन है, दर्द ही मेरा मंदिर है। "

         - Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt in a Vividh Bharti radio interview

"सबको अपने  सपनों को पँख देने चाहियें। कई  बार  हम खुद को सीमाओं  में बांध लेते हैं, हमें पता नहीं होता कि हम कितना कुछ कर सकते हैं। "

          -Virat Kohli

"कानून  तोड़  कर  कब्ज़ा करने  वालों  को सरकार दे रही इनाम। "
           -Shanta Kumar, MP, Kangra

"पहाड़ों  की रानी,  न बिजली  न   पानी।"
           - A Shimla resident 

                                                     *

Newspicks

Stunning pictures show an alien moon (Saturn's hazy moon Titan) easily like earth (revealing a world of lakes, rains, winds and wonder)

                                         (National Geographic)

Our moon is at least 4.51 billion years old:study

Dying suns, newly born stars and disintegrated comets light years from earth have been photographed

                                        (Daily Mail)

Chimps prefer genetically different mates:study

Restoring extinct species would take 8 million years:study

US army plans to use biodegradable bullets that sprout plants

8 billionaires have as much wealth as half the world (3.6 billion people) 
                                               (NDTV)

'Face with tears of joy', world's most popular emoji:study

Trump meets with Princeton physicist who says global warming is good for us

                                       (Washington Post)

Obama's dog bites White House guest in the face:report

Dog saves injured owner from cold by lying on top of him for nearly 24 hours to keep him warm in freezing conditions as the man lay paralysed in snow (Michigan, USA)

                                      (The Hindu)

Men more likely to lie, post naked photos on social media

38-year-old Delhi tailor says he sexually abused 500 kids in 12 years

                                       (Times of India)

WhatsAPP messages and photos may not be that private after all

                                       (Economic Times)

Barkha Dutt quits NDTV after 21 years, likely to set up her own venture

                                       (Firstpost)

20 minutes of walking may reduce inflammation in body:study

                                       ( India Today)

'Superbug' from India resistant to all available antibiotics

                                       (Deccan Herald)

Stop overuse of antibiotics

                                       (Deccan Herald)

Sunbeds may up deadly skin cancer risk:study

                                       (Daily Excelsior)

Exercise may boost memory, brain activity in elderly

                                       (NDTV)

                                                            *

Tailpiece

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.

              -Carl Sagan, the legendary Astronomer who, sadly, died early.

                                                ***

                 

                                  *

Palampur roads dug up again

December and early January saw some Palampur roads being dug up on the flanks again and for the umpteenth time. The stretch from the SSB chowk to the ITI was a complete mess until some days back. Even now (after a lousy fill-up job) it looks no good. Then it was the section from Chopati shops upwards, and likewise at other places as well. On Jan 1st, I had a harrowing time on my way to the Ambedkar Bhavan (near the Neugal cafe). A truck coming  from the opposite direction got stuck up in a pile of excavated earth creating a traffic jam. Well, I am not averse to these ‘diggings’ per se, presuming that it would all lead to "अच्छे दिन” finally. I understand that, as before, this exercise is all for cable-laying to pave the way for faster internet connectivity leading to improved communication facilities. Who would not endorse and support these supposedly well-intended initiatives in the present era of digitisation? But my grouse is about the implementation part of it. Why there is no well-planned, coordinated action plan put in place to avoid these repeated excavations causing huge inconvenience to the आम आदमी? Secondly, why the digging-up work is done in such a clumsy, shoddy way? Better way would be to dig up a small section, fill it promptly and properly and ensure that it is restored to its original (pre-digging) shape (if not better) and then proceed to next section, stage by stage. But no, the digging-up work is haphazard and long stretches are dug-up at once and the trenches so created remain unfilled for days on end with large mounds of earth piled up here and there thoughtlessly without regard to the traffic jams and hardship that would inevitably ensue. And the public has no clue whatsoever, why the hell, this work has commenced yet again. Ideally, at such digging sites, temporary sign-boards should be put up to inform us about the nature, purpose and duration of job, the name of the agency executing the works, the name of the government agency overseeing the project, etc., etc. Also, there should be contact numbers displayed to lodge complaints and seek redressal of any grievance and inconvenience caused to the public. Further, the contractor should also deploy couple of hands to regulate traffic at such sites to ensure easy and smooth traffic flow and minimise hardship to the commuters. And if sprinklers could be used for keeping the dug-up soil from coating the hapless passers-by with a thick layer of dust in dry days (as was the case in December), so much the better.

Is this too much to ask for? But when corruption, bribes and venality, मिलीभगत और हेराफेरी, or, if not these, then at least absolute lack of accountability of those who are at the helm in regulating and monitoring these projects, reigns supreme, then what can a commoner do except fret and fume…as I do? More so, because we are all given to taking things lying down, without even a mummer of protest. And the powers that be know it and exploit our sinful addiction to 'silence'  to the hilt.

      The road-stretch from SSB chowk to Diffarpat presents a sorry picture

                                                                                     *

What a shame!

Did you see those video clips relating to the New Year Eve celebrations? The horror that was unleashed on the MG road in Bengaluru? And another one that took place in another Bengaluru street? How hordes of miscreants and goons assaulted the women revellers to the full view of inert police and other people? And in the  the latter case how the two scooter-borne sick-heads tried to outrage the modesty of a hapless lady? It is such a pity that these kind of ugly incidents have become a common occurrence in a city like Bengaluru otherwise known for its cosmopolitan culture and ethos.  It saddens me to see this balmy and vibrant city, once a pride of India, known for its salubrious climes, lakes and gardens and a hub of techno-scientific activity turn into a violent, polluted, dusty jungle of concrete. Lakes and green zones have fallen prey to the sinister politician-builder-bureaucrat nexus. Traffic snarls taking away your precious hours even for a few kms of drive have become an inevitable part of day’s routine. Bengaluru is no longer the city that it once was.  And now such ugly incidents and mounting crime graph is doing no good to the name and repute of Bengaluru. How sad! Whenever I visit this city, at least once a year (in winters preferably), for a little break from the monotony of a small-town-life, and to imbibe some energy and vigour from a throbbing, happening city, I come back a disheartened, disillusioned man.

Shame on those who hold the reins, shame on us who have let this jewel of a city degenerate into such a chaotic, crime-infested metropolis!

                                                      *

Event of the week

*   Farewell speech: By  the suave and sane (outgoing) US President  Barack Obama who stood for and practised liberal values, humanism and inclusiveness. His stirring and emotional address on 11 January in Chicago warned about threats to democratic values and ended with hope for brighter future for the world. A must-see video!

Environmental facts: greenpeace

* Thai fishing fleet moving to Indian Ocean to avoid  regulation

* Research shows switching to organic food can reduce  pesticide levels in urine

* No Indian city meets WHO air quality norms

* Air pollution causes 1.2 million deaths in India annually;
   Delhi most polluted

                                                      *

Health tip

Resistant starch, which occurs naturally in foods such as bananas, potatoes, grains and legumes, may benefit your health by aiding blood sugar control, supporting gut health and enhancing satiety, new research has claimed (British Nutrition Foundation; the study was published in the journal Nutritional Bulletin)

                                                  *

Dhauladhar view

लो ओढ़ लिया फिर  से पर्वत ने चांदी का सुन्दर श्वेत  दौशाला,

लहलाये  अब  खेत , जन-जीवन  में  छाया नया उजाला। 

                                                               
                                                        

                             The Dhauladhar as it looked on the clear morn of Wednesday, 11 Jan.

                                     *

Quotes

"Democracy is threatened whenever we take it for

  

  granted."

" We cannot withdraw from global fights- to expand

   

   democracy, and human rights, women's rights, 

   and LGBT rights- no matter how imperfect our

   efforts."

         

              -Barack Obama in his farewell address

"When Om Puri stood in front of a camera, he filled up the screen."

               - Anupam Kher

"जब  मेरा' निधन  हो तो मेरे  बाल रंग देना।  मैं  एक युवा  की  तरह मरना  चाहता हूँ। "

                - Om Puri

"आज वो भी बिछड़ गया हमसे, चलिए ये क़िस्सा भी तमाम हुआ। "

                - Javed Akhtar

"Love is an illusion."

                 - Hrithik Roshan

"Trump and I are opposites."

                  - Barack Obama

"Treat sons in a way they learn to respect women."

                  - Shah Rukh Khan

 RBI doesn't decide anything, decisions taken by Modi." 
                  - Amartya Sen

"सूबे में अवैध निर्माण के लिए अफसर जिम्मेदार।"
                  - HP Raj Bhawan (Amar Ujala)

"Why give my husband a gun if he's unstable."
       -wife of BSF Jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav whose video on poor food served to         them has gone viral

                                                  *
Shaming/shocking headlines

* City(Shimla) remains without water, power
    for the 6th day (Wednesday, 11 Jan)
                        (The Tribune)
* सूबे के एक  हज़ार गावों में बिजली, न  पानी 
                                     (Amar Ujala)

Newspicks

* Aliens live on Mars? 'Hairy spider monkey' and 'slug animal' spotted in NASA image (The TeCake)  

 * New fault in Indian Ocean may trigger quakes in future:study (DH)

 * Warming of Indian Ocean  behind groundwater decline in India

 * Moon may have formed from collision of tiny 'moonlets'

 * Obama presses Trump not to back away from clean energy (The Hindu)

* Chennai, Bengaluru remain suicide capitals of country

* "Rangoon"  trailer crosses 10 million views! (fridaymoviez Bollywood

    entertainment)

            

* राजधानी में 72घंटे से  ब्लैक आउट, 140 रुट फेल (अमर उजाला )

* Kangra's Hamirpur fort in ruins, cries for govt attention (The Tribune)

* Weekend exercise alone has significant health benefits:study

* 'Tooth repair drug' may replace fillings (BBC News)

* Drink at pubs with friends to boost health:study

* सामान्य व्यायाम भी कर सकता है ख़ुशी में असामान्य वृद्धि (अमर उजाला )

* स्मार्ट फ़ोन के ज्यादा इस्तेमाल से बच्चों को 'ड्राई आई ' बीमारी (अमर उजाला )

* Men who eat lots of red meat have higher risk of common bowel disease

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Pong wetland beckons you

Come winter and the Pong dam wetland buzzes with life with winged visitors from distant lands. They come in thousands for their winter vacation here and return home with the onset of spring/summer. In addition to the plains of India they navigate long miles from Central Asia and Siberia to skip harsh winters and enjoy a brief sojourn here in a more benign climate.  If you are a bird-lover, or a nature lover, or just want to have a break from the grind of daily routine and stress, strain and noise of materialistic life, a trip to this wetland would prove to be most rewarding for your heart, mind, body and soul. I would strongly recommend the Nagrota Surian segment of this wetland for your trip. A diversion from the NH at Gaggal towards Shahpur passing through Lunj  - from where the historic rock-cut temple at Masroor is just at a stone’s throw - would take you to the destination (about 45 kms) along the winding road passing through villages and fields with breath-taking views of the wildernesses and hillocks that the valley is dotted with.  On the way back, the Dhauladhar will offer its  grand, kaleidoscopic view at every turn of the road to hold you in its spell. Also, an avid bird watcher would have a lot to see all along the way with passerines and other land birds on the bush and tree to greet you. At the wetland, one feels likes having been transported to a different world altogether. An eerie silence prevails everywhere around you, punctured by the pleasant cacophony and buzz of the thousands of alien birds of varied shapes, sizes and hues that have descended on land, mudflats and the tranquil sheet of water spread as  a vast sprawl before your eyes. Bar-headed geese(राजहंस  या  हंस) coming from Tibet, easily outnumbering the rest, will probably be the first to welcome you. Walk along the water’s edge and savour the surreal feel of all-encompassing serenity and quietude. Or, sit patiently with your field binoculars trained on the birds, with a bird-book on your lap and watch the beauty and wonder of myriad of bird species and their charming antics. Come back with your batteries recharged, feeling light, detoxified and energised by the therapeutic kisses and caresses that this wetland will quietly and generously shower on you. If you want company and a guide, contacting ‘yours truly’ won’t be a bad idea…provided that you are not a boring type, or too stiff-necked or insular or stingy! 

Tips: Carry your own water, snacks, hot beverages and fruits...and even packed lunch, but please don’t litter the pristine environs of the wetland. Also, enjoy a hot, sugary cup of tea with local snacks (मठरियां, नमकीन सेमियां, बून्दी, बालूशाही)  on your way to and fro. Happy outing ! Great birdwatching!

Pong wetlands- some facts

*Area: 18000 hectares, can extend up to 30,000 hectares.

*It is one of the 25 international wetlands under the Ramsar Convention

*It is a habitat for about 220 bird species

*Pong is also a major fish production reservoir of HP

*Some notable  species of migratory bird species are: Bar-headed geese, Coots, *Pintails, Mallards, Wigeons, Common/Eastern Mergansers, Common Pochards, *Common Teals, Shovellers, Coots, Little cormorants and at times even the rare and globally threatened Siberian Crane

Birds swarm the shallower waters

Bar-headed geese flying over Pong waters

Coots

Bar-headed goose (Rajhans, or Hans)

The rare Siberian Crane

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Finally...finally...it rained and snowed!

The Dhauladhar has received its first helping of snow
To the weather gods therefore we gratefully bend and bow
But more showers and snow we need, and in plentiful
For the thirsty land, and  earthly life, all so beautiful.

View of the Dhauladhar in the afternoon of 04 Jan 2017

Health tip

Snack with watermelon seeds this summer. Shell the melon seeds after sprouting, roast them and enjoy this super food as a nutritional boost. It is packed with protein, Vitamin B, Magnesium, and mono-and poly-saturated fats. 

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Quotes of the week

"In the New Year, say no to hate and violence and yes to brotherhood and reconciliation."

                      - Pope Francis

"The connecting link between spirituality and sexuality is that both of these, ideally, are two forms of the fundamental human emotion of love."

                            - Psychoanalyst and writer Sudhir Kakar (Outlook)

"UN[is] just a club for people to have a good time."

                       - President-elect Donald Trump

"अगर मुझे 'गेंगस्टर'[फिल्म] नहीं  मिलती तो एडल्ट फिल्म करती। "

                      - Kangana Ranaut (Divya Himachal)

"अवैध निर्माण के लिए जिम्मेदार अफसरों  पर  क्या  कार्रवाही करोगे?"

                       - HP Governor to the HP Government

"Political parties act for quota, but not for caste abolition."

                       - Economic Times

"बढ़ती आबादी नहीं रोकी  तो बर्बादी तय."

                        - Shanta Kumar, Kangra MP

"Wildlife and stray cattle have rendered 70,000 hectares barren."

                       - Dr Kuldip Tanwar, President, Himachal Kisan Sabha

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Newspicks

Climate change could kill world's oldest trees: study

NASA may build ice homes on Mars to protect astronauts (The Times of India)

Earth-like snow, ice features found on Pluto (The Hindu)

Can't seek votes on the basis of religion: Supreme court

Bugs on your cellphone can infect patients (Times of India)

New smartphone device lets you kiss your long-distance lover

With tongue in cheek:Here's how you can make your farts less smelly! : A team of researchers has found that food rich in starch 'potatoes, bananas, cereals, artichokes' can act as a resistant to hydrogen sulphide gas by up to 75% (Daily News & Analysis)

 Pahari miniature fetches Rs 93 lakh at fourth Christie's auction (Livemint)

Dalai Lama's abode turning into a concrete jungle (Hindustan Times)

मकलोडगंज को निगल गए अवैध  कब्जे...रास्तों का साइज़ सिकुड़ा: मायावी  नगरी में परेशान हो रहे पर्यटक; प्रशासन की अनदेखी के चलते  तहबाजारियों  ने पसारे पाँव (Divya Himachal)

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Quiz answer

In the 23/24 December blog post  a quiz was posed about who actually was the (beautiful) Melania Knauss.
Well, if you have not figured it out, she is none else but the first lady of USA, Melania Trump - a former supermodel who originally hails from a small village in Slovenia... 
From a small village to the White House...what a long walk!

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WhatsApp humour

Images of the year

                                 

               

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