Readers' Forum
Greener Mahabaleshwar
At the age of 85 and as a fifth generation resident of Mahabaleshwar — my ancestor Cawasji having accompanied Major Peter Lodwick on his mission of discovering this scenic hill station in 1824 — I am deeply concerned about the damage to our environment.
The Venna Lake is perhaps the resort’s prime spot, a grand sight particularly when it is brim full of water after the monsoon. It also provides running water to both Mahabaleshwar and neighboring Panchgani. It is a source of immense revenue to the municipal corporation as boating is permitted throughout the year for the visiting population. However, when the water in the lake gets depleted from February onward the exposed shoreline of about 20 m all around becomes an eyesore as dead and rotting forest trees are exposed.
The original dam built in the 19th century resulted in the creation of a pretty lake whose upper reaches were covered by a verdant forest. A few years back, to meet the increased demand for water, the height of the dam’s wall was increased and, with the level of the lake rising, the water inundated the original forest. These trees died and the rotting timber needs to be removed, but I have been given to understand that permission to do so was refused by the authorities. This is absurd as the rotting wood pollutes the lake whose water is being used by thousands of residents of the two hill stations.
A huge quantity of earth was brought in and dumped above the expected higher water line when the dam wall was raised. This earth in turn covered a further six or more hectares of standing forest, burying and choking the forest trees. The mountainside is bare and as trees native to these forests do not survive transplantation, new species need to be planted there. The Forest Department should undertake this task. However, I am willing to re-afforest this bare land as I am confident that along with 25 members of our hotels and restaurants association, with valuable guidance and assistance of Forest Department officials, this can be done and we can have our forest back.
The Venna Lake is perhaps the resort’s prime spot, a grand sight particularly when it is brim full of water after the monsoon. It also provides running water to both Mahabaleshwar and neighboring Panchgani. It is a source of immense revenue to the municipal corporation as boating is permitted throughout the year for the visiting population. However, when the water in the lake gets depleted from February onward the exposed shoreline of about 20 m all around becomes an eyesore as dead and rotting forest trees are exposed.
The original dam built in the 19th century resulted in the creation of a pretty lake whose upper reaches were covered by a verdant forest. A few years back, to meet the increased demand for water, the height of the dam’s wall was increased and, with the level of the lake rising, the water inundated the original forest. These trees died and the rotting timber needs to be removed, but I have been given to understand that permission to do so was refused by the authorities. This is absurd as the rotting wood pollutes the lake whose water is being used by thousands of residents of the two hill stations.
A huge quantity of earth was brought in and dumped above the expected higher water line when the dam wall was raised. This earth in turn covered a further six or more hectares of standing forest, burying and choking the forest trees. The mountainside is bare and as trees native to these forests do not survive transplantation, new species need to be planted there. The Forest Department should undertake this task. However, I am willing to re-afforest this bare land as I am confident that along with 25 members of our hotels and restaurants association, with valuable guidance and assistance of Forest Department officials, this can be done and we can have our forest back.
Venna Lake in Mahabaleshwar
Photo: Jasmine D. Driver
Photo: Jasmine D. Driver
Bombay Point, which is popular with visitors, is bare and uncared for. Recently vandals destroyed the forest along its west side. Many trees have been hacked, leaving stumps and the dead branches are lying around. At Connaught Peak, the second highest point in Mahabaleshwar, an ugly 18-foot tower had been erected by forest officials, ostensibly to enable them to observe and stop the cutting of trees. This tower mars the view of the verdant carpet of trees right up to the horizon. It is learnt that official directions have been issued to demolish the tower, but this has not yet been done.
Forest Department officials have failed to give any guidance or lead and Mahabaleshwar’s original green look and health giving climate has disappeared. The municipality planted bougainvillea bushes on the side of the narrow main lake road to Panchgani, but these rarely flower due to lack of open space and sunshine. They have become an obstruction to traffic instead.
Will the authorities wake up to these unpleasant realities and do something?
NAVAL JAL
Mahabaleshwar
thedinahotel@dataone.in
(Naval Jal’s letter was dated May 2, 2012. He expired on May 31, 2012 — editors)
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