ICE STUPAS (Conserving water the 3 Idiots way)

Peter Griffin

In the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, a quiet genius is attempting to solve a water problem: By building stupasmade of ice

In Raju Hirani’s mega hit 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan’s character Rancho turns

out to be an unconventional teacher in Ladakh, who is also a brilliant inventor, Phunsukh Wangdu. The inspiration for that character, many say, is a gentleman called Sonam Wangchuk, but this is not acknowledged in the film’s credits. On pressing him, Wangchuk says he met and chatted with Khan and his team in 2008, a few months before the film’s shooting began, at a CNN-IBN event, Real Heroes, which honoured Wangchuk and screened a short film on him and his work. (CNN-IBN is part of Network 18, the publishers of Forbes India.)

He says there are many similarities between the Rancho/Phunsuk character and his own life though the movie does not credit him in any way. He did not communicate this when the film released—“they might think I was asking for money, especially in view of the huge controversy with Chetan Bhagat over credit”—but he wrote to Khan and the producers two years later. They haven’t responded yet. Wangchuk, 48, has put that behind him. He has way too many other things to do. A mechanical engineer by training, an educator, a founder of SECMOL

(Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) in 1988, a 2002 Ashoka Fellow, Wangchuk is no mean innovator. The SECMOL Alternative Institute (SAI) campus, for instance, is designed to conserve heat, and uses solar energy. They burn no fuels to keep warm even in the bitterly cold winters. He has also designed a low-cost water heater, and has pioneered organic farming and low-cost greenhouses, making the campus practically an oasis in that high-altitude desert. His students and he have developed things like mud pipes, literally dirtcheap, and a variety of solar-powered devices. They aren’t resting on their laurels. In January 2014, Wangchuk and his students began work on a test project\ that aims to tackle a very serious issue. Climate change, with the result of shrinking glaciers, could have catastrophic effects on the life of the people of Ladakh. Spring melts have slowed now, and with hotter summers, the melts are much faster and stronger: Which means that farmers get too little water in spring, and too much in summer. Traditional methods like check dams can help, but some fresh thinking is also needed. Wangchuk had learnt of techniques like ‘glacier grafting’, which attempt to grow glaciers artificially, and had studied the work of a Ladakhi civil engineer, Chewang Norphel, who had been working on storing water in vast ice fields. The problem with these methods, Wangchuk says, is that they require special locations, where the

‘glaciers’ can be shielded from the sun by the bulk of higher mountains, and also that they require strenuous work to maintain.

Courtesy : www.forbesindia.com

Source : Daily Excelsior News Paper (Jammu and Kashmir)

Dudu Valley Pristine and Picturesque

For those who feel like trudging a lonely track or standing atop a mountain pass, wish to get lost in wilderness; feel a strong wanderlust as if the mountains are calling or if they wish to be one with the nature, frolicking in a icy stream; picking a rod to challenge a trout then Dudu valley nestled in Seoj Dhar range is a perfect getaway from the glamour and glitz of the city.

To reach Dudu valley, one has to take a turn for Shiv Gali a mountain pass at Triunglian which is just eight kilometers prior to Basantgarh on Ramnagar-Basantgarh road. A steep ascent till Shiv Gali is rewarded by a breathtaking view of the Dudu valley, with thick pine forests on mountain slopes and snow clad mountains to the north. The geographical significance of the Shiv Gali is that it is right on the edge of two great watersheds – one sloping toward Ujj river basin flowing through Basantgarh and secondly sloping towards Tawi river basin of the Dudu valley. Two temples at Shiv Gali add spiritual dimension to the mountain pass. A tourist Sarai is coming up at Shiv Gali which already has a view-point with a panoramic view of the two valleys and adjoining Dhars covered with conifers.

A mountain meadow close to the view point offers camping ground with unparalleled view. The mountain pass remains snow bound during winters and people have to take a circuitious route from Basantgarh to Udhampur to Chenani to Sudhmahadev to Mantalai and Latti – a distance of over two hundred kilometers to reach Dudu valley. Descent to Dudu valley from Shiv Gali is by a road which passes through a thick forest which is not only snow bound in winter but also turns treacherous and marshy during the early spring owing to thawing of snow. As one approaches the valley, the coniferous forests give way to lush green terraced fields.

As one reaches the bottom of the valley, one encounters Tawi river exuding a youthful exuberance. Carved and chiselled by the waters of Tawi river – the famed Suryaputri of the Duggar region, Dudu valley presents its sylvan surroundings to the visitors.

Forest Department has established a collection centre on the river for fallen timber pushed into river from the higher reaches. The fast current carries the timber to the collection point which otherwise is not possible in mountainous areas inaccessible by road.

After crossing the iron-bridge over the river a traveller encounters a beautiful waterfall just on the edge of the road. The strong gush of milky white water creates a deafening sound showering icy cold droplets on the vehicles. At such a sight no occupant of vehicle can deny himself an opportunity of getting a few photos clicked to bear witness to the nature’s brilliant spectacle.

The temple of Vasuki Nag in a sacred grove of Moro Oaks and Deodars in the middle of the valley is the socio-religious epicenter of this region. For centuries the people of the region have congregated and commenced the yatra to Kailash Kund, a glacial lake in Seoj Dhar held sacred by the people living in the valleys and mountains of middle Himalayas including Bhaderwah, Bani, Billawar, Dudu-Basantgarh, Bhalessa etc.

The annual Kailash Yatra from Dudu traditionally takes two days to reach the glacial lake. The track to the lake which is at the altitude of fourteen thousand feet can be undertaken only in monsoons when warm monsoon clouds after creeping through the valleys up to Seoj Dhar have melted most of the accumulated snow.

Dudu valley is a perfect base camp for trekking enthusiasts to explore the nature’s trail to Shiv Gali-Basantgarh-Chochru Gala to Bhaderwah. Similary trail from Dudu to Majouri via Pachound can be undertaken.

The mountain slopes of the valley are densely forested with Oaks at the foothills, Deodars in the middle reaches followed by open mountain meadows at the top which unravel their beauty and vegetation once winter snow vanishes. The captivating natural scenery of the vale is matched by the kind and pleasant demeanour of its people.

A visit to Dudu for the biking and motoring enthusiasts should be ideally undertaken on Ramnagar-Basantgarh, Dudu-Latti, Mantalai-Sudh Mahadev-Chenani axis. The spiritual circuit has temples dedicated to Naga cult at Tarmayan (Ramnagar), Gandh Top, Basantgarh, Shiv Gali and Dudu which ultimately give way to eminent shrines and temples dedicated to Shaivism at Mantalai, Sudh Mahadev and Gouri Kund. With the trend of Bikers clubs fast catching up in Jammu, the biking enthusiasts have a unique opportunity of both discovering the nature’s bounty and experiencing the spiritual journey with Dudu valley as its high point.

Realising the potential of angling in the Dudu valley, the Department of Fisheries has set up a Trout farm at Kirchi in Dudu Block to stock the crystal clear mountain streams endowed with highly oxygenated waters with trout which is considered to be anglers delight. A drive from Dudu valley – Jakhed towards Tehsil headquarter at Latti has a excellent view of Tawi river gushing and frothing offering favourable spots for angling.

As regards tourist infrastructure, Dudu has a lone dormitory accommodation made available by Patnitop Development Authority. A three room inspection hut of Department of Rural Development is coming up shortly. A PWD guest house and a forest hut are available at Latti which is twenty five kilometers from Dudu.

As one leaves enchanting Dudu valley – a traveller is forced to look back at the natural beauty amidst the snow capped mountains. While the body adjusts to the city life, the soul yearns to go back again to the nature’s lap offered by the picturesque valley.

Source : Daily Excelsior

(The author is serving as Deputy Excise Commissioner)

Jammu Kashmir Ladakh Promoted under Incredible India Campaign

Shri Shiv Khori Shrine

Shri Shiv Khori Cave (Lord Shiva)

Lord Shiva is worshipped in many forms. He is conceived in his unborn and invisible form as Holy Lingum.

The "Shiv-Lingum" symbolizes the power behind the creation. It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam.

Famous Holy Cave Shrine of "Shiv Khori" situated in District Reasi of Jammu & Kashmir state depicts the natural formation of Shiv Lingum.

It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 mts long & houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling.

The cave is full of natural impression & images of various Hindu Deities & full of divine feelings.

As per the legend, 33 crores deities exist in this cave in shape of pindis.

Ancient Vasukinag Temple, Dudu-Basantgarh, Jammu and Kahmir-India

Vasukinag Temple

It is a traditional, old temple located at one corner of Basantgarh in District Udhampur in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and lots of mythical stories are attached to it. The local deities are worshipped here and lots of people from distant area come here to offer prayers and offer bhandaras after fulfilment of their wishes. The architecture and wood work in this temple are another area of attraction

TREKKING TO SHANKHPAL - A PERFECT CAMPING GROUND

TREKKING TO SHANKHPAL - A PERFECT CAMPING GROUND

Shankh Pal is the spiritual deity of Lander region. A temple dedicated to this deity is located at the highest point on the Shankh Pal ridge. Situated at an altitude of 2,897 metres, the temple is just a few hours' walk away from Sanasar. Locals maintain that the original temple was over 400 years old and that no mortar was used to build the temple. However, looking at the stone idols lying around the temple, I believe that the original temple was much older.

The original temple has since then been replaced by a temple that is bigger and grander. However, this new temple still maintains its rustic charm with its pleasant proportions and the use of local rock in its construction. Every year on Sawan Dashmi, a festival is observed at the temple which draws thousands of people from surrounding villages and from places as far off as Ramban.

Local folklore maintains that the Indian Air Force wanted to build an encampment near this temple. To this end, a reconnaissance party was dispatched to scout the area. The members of this party would camp at Shankh Pal for the night, but everyone would wake up at a completely different place in the morning. This happened a couple of times and the reconnaissance party was soon convinced that the "Devata" was unwilling to have an installation built near his abode. This air force installation was later built at Nathatop.

Shankh Pal is one of the best camping ground around Kud-Patnitop. It is pristine, secluded and provides a spectacular view in every direction. The sunrise is a sight to behold as the sun emerges through the early morning mist and lights up the Himalayas in shades of pink and orange. On a clear night, the sky is lit up by countless stars which are rivalled by the twinkling lights of Udhampur city in the Southwest.

Trek Details

The trek starts just short of Sanasar on the Patnitop-Sanasar Road. A well defined, stone paved path leads off west from the road head. Follow the path as it gradually winds north though electricity pylons and theras.

The terrain for the most part is grass or mud and the trail is wide and well defined. After an initial ascent of 2.5 kilometres the trail eases into a relatively flat walk. The next 2 kilometres are level and quite scenic with grassy meadows on your left and Sanasar Valley to your right. A few side trips to explore these meadows on your left is definitely recommended. This is also the right place to catch your breath for the climb ahead. After this relatively flat stretch the trail turns north-west and starts to climb for the next couple of kilometres. The temple is visible from this turn. The last couple of kilometres are a moderate climb along a grassy ridge covered with shrubs. Take your time to admire Nathatop on your left and the pristine forests that lie below the ridge on your right. The trail rises and falls over this ridge with four well defined humps. The temple is located at the highest point on this ridge beside a shallow depression.

When to Come Jammu and Kashmir

India is a vast country, stretching across varied climatic zones. The plains of north and central India, for instance, experience extremes of climate, and the south is more equatorial.The country’s northernmost state of Jammu & Kashmir is divided into three distinct regions: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The weather pattern in the three regions is vastly different and should be kept in mind while planning a trip. While higher altitude destinations like, for example, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Patnitop, have the same climate as the mountainous regions of Jammu, the plains of Jammu resemble the north Indian plains. The summers here are extremely hot with the temperature rising up to 45 Degree Celsius, and the best season to visit is in winters, from November to February. Kashmir valley is extremely pleasant between April and October with maximum temperatures never exceeding 27° C and minimum keeping to around 14° C. Winters are harsh, with the minimum temperature frequently dipping to 0° C and below! There is heavy snowfall in winter, but rainfall is scant. The other-worldly landscape of Ladakh remains chilly through the year. Since the high-altitude desert of Ladakh lies in the rain-shadow area of the Great Himalayas, there is no rainfall here. The roads to Ladakh, both from Srinagar and Manali, are open from June to October. However, the closing of roads is subject to weather and timings can vary.