Some Great Camping Places in Garhwal Himalayas

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Rashid Faridi

The Garhwal Himalaya has long been associated with people’s need to introspect and find peace. Besides the spiritual importance of Devbhoomi, it is being recognized for its growing adventure activities and sports. The fascinating ice-capped hills at once release us from the stress of our day-to-day lives. The tranquillity feeding the mountains… adding to the lush green meadows, dense forest, crystalline lakes and streams, no doubt brings a soothing effect whenever you visit the Garhwal Himalayan region. With the growth of adventure tourism in Uttarakhand, the Garhwal Himalayan region has sprung up as one of the adventure holiday destinations in India, scoring with numerous outdoor adventure activities and sports like trekking, hiking, cycling, river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife safari, fishing, bungee jumping, rock climbing, cliff diving and rappelling. Further… the region also offers the best camping sites in India, like Beas Ghat on the bank of River Ganga, Dodital, Har Ki dun, Dayara Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal.

1. Rishikesh

Located in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayan region with the Ganges cutting and running the valley, Rishikesh, at an average elevation of 372 meters, is widely noted as “the world capital of Yoga”. The serenity of this place, which has exciting adventure sports, attracts tourists worldwide throughout the year. White Water River rafting in the Ganges, which starts from Kaudiyala and ends at Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh, with rapids ranging from II+ to IV+, is India’s most popular water sport. The 36-kilometre-long rafting stretch is ideal for both the experienced rafters and amateurs. Moreover, you will get lot of camping opportunities along with several other adventure activities like bungee jumping, cliff diving, kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling.

2. Beas Ghat

A destination that you must not be aware of… Beas Ghat, on the Ganges bank, is becoming popular for Angling and Fishing, one of the eco-friendly activities in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The best spot for Angling and Fishing in Beas Ghat is the Nayar Rivulet of the Ganges.

3. Tehri

Approximately 75 kilometers from Rishikesh, Tehri is one of the popular destinations in the Garhwal region that is noted for the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers, the site of the Tehri dam. It is also a major Hindu pilgrim site. Besides the religious significance, Tehri is also a renowned as a trekking destination and a hotspot for adventure activities. Some of the notable treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region that starts from Tehri are Nagtibba, Sehastra Taal and Khatling Glacier. Other adventure activities of Garhwal Himalayan region like rock climbing and cycling (commencing from Tehri at 770 meters and heads up to Gangotri at 3,200 meters via Dharasu, Uttarkashi and Harsil) are also available in Tehri.

4. Rajaji National Park

Named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent leader of the Indian freedom struggle, the Rajaji National Park is the abode of several animal species, and the major attraction remains the wild elephants. Other species like tiger, panther, different types of deer, wild boar, goral, Himalayan black bear and sloth bear and several bird species are also spotted. The Rajaji National Park is approximately 820 square kilometers and offers a rich biodiversity, combining the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary and Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is open from mid-November to mid-June, and the authority organizes several wildlife safaris in Rajaji National Park. It has an easy access from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Kotdwar.

5. Dhanolti

Located approximately 24 kilometres from the popular hill station of Mussoorie, Dhanolti is one of the ideal trekking hubs. It is also one of the leisure destinations in Garhwal for several outdoor recreational activities like picnics and camping. The panorama of the peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpunch is clearly visible from Dhanolti. Tucked amid a quiet environment at an altitude of 2,286 meters… Dhanolti is the gateway to Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri temples. Other popular trails via Dhanolti are Nagtibba and Kempty Falls. Adventure activities like horse riding and mountain biking are also possible in Dhanolti.

6. Nanda Devi National Park

Perfect for travellers seeking an ideal nature holiday in India, the Nanda Devi National Park that was dubbed by Sir Edmund Hillary as “God Gifted Wilderness”, is a world heritage site stretching approximately 630 square kilometres. It is also a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The Nanda Devi National Park surrounding the beautiful peak of Nanda Devi is home to the rare Brahma Kamal (flower) and blue mountain goat. It is also home to animals like Snow Leopards, Himalayan musk deer, Mainland serow and Himalayan tahr. The trail through Nanda Devi National Park goes through beautiful meadows, gorges and valleys that border the western edge of Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Once, you can also see the majestic peaks of Trishul and Dunagiri.

7. Valley of Flowers National Park

At an altitude of 3,600 meters lies the beautiful Valley of Flowers National Park that houses many exotic flowers like Inula, Himalayan whorl and Cobra Lily. From orchids to poppies to daisies… one will be astonished and lost to observe the fantastic varieties of flowers. It is a world heritage site that is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It is said that the scent of flowers is so strong that one can even faint. No wonder… the locals believe that fairies used to dwell here. The trek to Valley of Flowers starts from Govindghat, close to Joshimath. One has to go along the river Lakshman Ganga. Ghangria, which is one of the notable camping sites in the Garhwal Himalayan region, is the gateway to Valley of Flowers… from where the trek is only 3 kilometres.

8. Auli

Located at 3050 meters, Auli is one of the best skiing spots in the Indian Himalayan region that has received worldwide fame. GMVN provides modern ski equipments and certificates also. The Auli – Kuari Pass Tapovan trek via Gurson is one of the famous treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region that you can add to your itinerary during your adventure holiday in Garhwal Himalaya. Nonetheless, the Gurson Bugyal and Kwari Bugyal are ideal spots for campers and travellers in Garhwal. The Chattrakund and Chenab Lakes are two major attractions in and around Auli. The panoramic view of the farfetched snow-capped peaks – Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat, Dunagiri and Nanda Devi – adds a spiritual spectacle to your eyes.

9. Chopta

At 2,680 meters, Chopta is the gateway to Tungnath Temple, which is the highest seat of Lord Shiva. This remote valley is famous for its pristine natural beauty, surrounded by an alpine forest of Pine and Deodar. One can capture a breathtaking panorama of several Himalayan peaks. The Chandrashilla, Tungnath and Devariyatal are notable treks that commence from Chopta. The trekking routes involve going through jungles, meadows and small villages. The journey becomes exciting for bird watchers as the region is home to several alpine and migratory birds.

10. Chakrata

Located above the Yamuna Valley, Chakrata is a small town that is a perfect hub for adventurous holiday trips in the Garhwal region. Dotted by thick deodar forest with a backdrop of a section of snow-clad Himalayan peaks… Chakrata is noted for snow viewing. Tiger Falls, ancient temples and meadows are the major attractions in Chakrata. The destination is ideal of family camping, school camping and corporate camping as Chakrata is noted as one of the best places for adventure camping holidays in Garhwal Himalaya.

11. Harsil

It is a scenic village situated on the bank of River Bhagirathi and is notable for several apple orchards and winding roads. Trek to Chitkul via Lamkhaga Pass and pass through the dense alpine forest of Juniper, Deodar, and Bhojpatra, which is one of the best adventure activities that you can go for from Harshil. The dramatic climb to Lamkhaga Pass is an exciting part in the journey. If you are lucky enough you may come across ibex, fox and several alpine birds. Further, an escape to Harsil allows you to experience the folk lifestyle of the Bhotias, and the tranquil ambience makes it perfect for a meditation and yoga holiday.

12. Dayara Bugyal

Located at 3,038 meters, Dayara Bugyal offers a breath taking view of the farfetched Himalayan range. The trek route commences from Barsu village. The major attraction remains the Barnala Tal, a small natural lake that is surrounded by Oak trees. There is another starting point from Raithal village. During the winter season, Dayara Bugyal is also notable as one of the best ski destinations in India… having moderate to difficult ski slopes. The ski trip begins from Bhatwari via Barsa to Dayara Bugyal.

13. Dodital

Dodital is one of the prominent freshwater lakes in the Indian Himalayan region at an altitude of 3,024 meters. According to a legend, Lord Ganesha chose this place as his abode. It is also a common destination for fishing. The gentle trek to Dodital is approximately 21 kilometres and commences from Sangamchatti, a few hours’ drive from Uttarkashi. Dodital is a very popular location for family camping and school camping. Bebra, which is 9 kilometres from Sangamchatti, is one of the best places to camp in the Garhwal Himalayan region.

14. Bedni Bugyal

Located at an elevation of 3,354 meters in the Chamoli district, Bedni Bugyal is considered as one of the most fascinating alpine meadows. It offers the best view of Trishul Parvat. The trek to Bedni Bugyal commences from Lohajang Pass and is one of the easy treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The major attractions in Bedni Bugyal are Bedni Kund, which holds great religious importance amongst the locals; Ali Bugyal, which is another sprawling meadow at an elevation of 3,300 meters; and Wan village, which is the last village en route to Bedni Bugyal.

15. Har Ki Doon

Located at the base of Fateh Parvat at 3,556 meters, Har Ki Doon Valley is a cradle-shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The farfetched snow-clad mountains, streams and rich alpine vegetation are the main attractions in Har Ki Doon Valley. The trek to Har Ki Doon Valley starts from Sankari, followed by Osla. From there, the trek follows a steep climb of 14 kilometres. The Har Ki Doon Valley trek is another easy-to-moderate trek in the Garhwal Himalayan region, suitable for families. The Morinda Tal and several shepherd villages on the Har Ki Doon Valley trek often attract the mind of travellers.

Link(s) and Sources(s):

TourMy India 

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Odour as a Pollution Agent : Methods to Control

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Rashid Faridi

Odour is  an important pollution agent. An odorant generally originates from a solid, a liquid, or a concentrated gas. Odour sources may be confined in space, like emission from ducts, or they may be unconfined, like drainage ditches, and settling lagoons.

               Hydrogen sulphide, carbon disulphide, mercaptans, products of decomposition of proteins (especially those of animal origin), phenols, and some petroleum hydrocarbon are the malodours which are very common.

               Odourous compounds are also generated due to various human activities. Garbage dumps, sewage works and agricultural activities are typical examples. Bad smell is also produced by decaying vegetation. The exhaust from motor vehicle is also a common source of malodour.

               The sources of odour are so many, that it is almost impossible to prepare a complete list of them. Table indicates the various odourous industrial operations.

Table

Odourous Industrial Operations

No. Industry Odourous material
1. Pulp and paper Mercaptans
2. Tanneries Hides, flesh, hair
3. Fertilizer Ammonia, nitrogen compounds
4. Petroleum Sulphur, compounds from crude oil, cresols
5. Chemical Ammonia, phenols, mercaptans, hydrogen sulphide, chlorine, organic products
6. Foundries Quenching oils
7. Pharmaceutical Biological extracts and wastes, fermented
8. Food Cannery waste, dairy waste, meat products, packing house wastes, fish, cooking odours, coffee roaster effluents
9. Detergent Animal fats
10. General Burning rubber, solvents, incinerator smoke

Odour Control

               An important problem of air pollution is the control of objectionable odours, which may be gases, mists, or solids discharged into the atmosphere from industrial, commercial, and municipal operations. Source control is the most effective means of abating odour. In many cases, this can be achieved by good sanitation practices, as the most persistent and offensive odours arise due to putrefaction.

               Following are the methods which may be employed alone or in various combinations to eliminate or diminish odours.

  1. Modification of the process
  2. Dilution by ventilation or dispersal
  3. Absorption
  4. Adsorption
  5. Combustion or oxidation
    • Direct incineration
    • Catalytic incineration
  6. Odour masking
  7. Odour counteraction of neutralization
  8. Injection of a reactive substance
  9. Irradiation

Modification of the Process :

               In some cases a change in the process, either by way in the composition of process materials or removal of impurities may help in odour control. Methods includes substitution of low-odour solvents for highly odourous ones, adjustment of process variables like temperature, residence time etc. If such alteration makes the resultant source less intense or more tolerable from the point of odour and if such modification is technically and economically feasible, then it, merits first consideration.

Dilution by Ventilation or Dispersal

               Odour intensity being a function of the odoraqnt concentration, proper well designed ventilation is the most common method for removal of odours from enclosed spaces.

               A method sometimes used for odour abatement outdoors is to release odourous gases from tall stacks. It results in normal dispersion in the atmosphere and consequent decrease in ground-level concentrations below the threshold value. Dispersal by stacks requires careful consideration of the location, meteorological parameters, etc.

Absorption

               Absorption is applicable when the odourous  gases are soluble or emulsifiable in a liquid or react chemically in solution. Liquid scrubbing of the gases in a suitable absorption unit is an important methods of odour control.

Adsorption

               Adsorption, particularly on activated carbon, has been widely used in odour control because activated carbon has a preferential attraction and high retentivity for organic vapours. Activated carbon is highly porous and has great adsorptive power due to very large surface area. The highly porous structure permits the carbon to remove and hold the organic vapours, hydrogen sulphide, and other odour-producing substances. Furthermore, the retained material may be disrobed comparatively easily, and the carbon reactivates and is used again. But, if the concentration of the odourous material is high, the method may not be economical.

Combustion or Oxidation

Direct incineration

               In this process, the odour generating gases are made to pass through a combustion chamber at a temperature of the order of 650-815oC, in the presence of excess oxygen. The main demerit of this method is the cost of the fuel to produce the required temperature. Sometimes heat exchangers may be employed to recover the heat from the hot incinerated gases. The heat recovered may be used for other purposes like preheating the effluent gases, generating steam etc. The optimum residence time of the gases in the chamber should be found out by trial, since the various gas constituent to be burnt react at different rates. Normally this residence time should not be less than 0.3 sec.

Catalytic Incineration

               When the cost of heating the gas stream to 650oC is very high, catalytic combustion may be the choice. In a catalytic unit, oxidation takes place at a much lower temperature than necessary for direct incineration. In this method, the process gases, pass through specially designed units containing catalyst elements, on the surface of which oxidation occurs. During the catalytic oxidation, the constituents in the gas stream such as hydrocarbons and other organic malodours, react with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water vapour. In general, complete oxidation should take place to solve the odour problem. Catalytic combustion of most of the organic constituents that occur in the effluent as gas stream is initiated and self sustaining at about 260oC. In case the gas stream is colder than this before coming into contact with the catalytic, it must be pre-heated. However, the fuel cost there for pre-heating will be very much less, when compared to direct incineration.

Odour Masking :

               Odour masking is based on the principle that, when two odours are mixed, the stronger one will predominate. In other words, strong odours tend to mask weaker ones. Thus a strong, pleasant odour can be used to ‘mask’ or ‘cover’ weak unpleasant odour. However, care must be taken to see that the odorant used for superimposing the pleasant odour is not flammable, corrosive, or allergic.

               Following are the methods used for odour masking :

  1. Spraying, vaporizing, or atomizing the odorant chosen, into air-gas streams in stacks.
  2. Adding directly to a process wherever possible.
  3. Adding to scrubbing liquors.

In cases where the masking odorants are directly added to the process, care should be taken to se that they will not affect the quality of the products.

               Odour masking can also be used to control odours in outdoor places like refuse dumps or waste lagoons. Here, the masking compound must vaporize rapidly enough to overcome the unpleasant odour and slow enough to last for a reasonable length of time.

               Due to various practical problems involved on odour masking the selection of the suitable odorant and its quantity should be left to specialists in the field.

Odour Counteraction

               Certain pairs of odours of relative concentrations are antagonistic. Therefore, when they are mixed together, the intensity of each odour is diminished. This effect is known as counteraction or neutralization. Examples of such odour pairs are musk and bitter almond; rubber and cedar wood.

               Selection of the proper counteractant for a given odour is even more difficult than the selection of masking compounds, and therefore the selection should be left to experts.

Control of Air Pollution by process Changes

               In controlling air pollution by process changes, the method to be employed naturally depends upon the particular process involved. As a result, no fixed set of rules can be applied on a universal basis.

               Generally, four methods are available to control the pollutants by process changes. They are :

  1. Substitution of raw materials or fuels
  2. Modification of the process itself
  3. Modification or replacement of the process equipment
  4. Changes in operational practices

Substitution of Raw Materials or Fuels

               This method has been used successfully in many cases for controlling atmospheric pollution. For example use of low-volatile coals in place of high-volatile coals has proved quite effective in eliminating smoke and soot in many industrial and commercial heating applications. Similarly, substitution of low sulphur fuels for high sulphur fuels has reduced considerably the sulphur dioxide discharge into the atmosphere. Another method of decreasing emission of air pollution is substituting bauxite flux for fluorspar in an open health furnace.

Modification of the Process

               While modifying a given process, a unit operation may be eliminated or altered, or other unit operations may be substituted or added. For example, in disposing combustible refuse, the practice of incineration may be discontinued in favour of sanitary land fill. Another example is in Brass Foundry Practice, where an additional operational step has been used to reduce air pollution. Here, a fluxing material is applied to the surface of the molten brass which serves as an evaporation barrier and consequently reduces the emission of brass fumes. This additional step has been included strictly as an air pollution control measure. A third example of process modification is substitution of oxygen for air in gas manufacture and in blast furnaces. The vent gases produced as a result are lower in volume.

Modification or Replacement of the Process Equipment

               This may include (a) modification of one or more items of the process equipment, (b) replacement or repair of faulty or repair of faulty or malfunctioning equipment, or (c) substitution of one type of equipment for another type. For example

  1. Use of vapour recovery systems to control vapour losses in handling volatile materials-absorbers, condensers, and compressors may be used.
  2. In cast iron founders, substitution of reverberatory furnaces for cupolas has resulted in reducing atmospheric pollution from this type of operation.

Changes in Operational Practices

               A good example for this is a thermal power plant. Hereby using a low-sulphur fuel in place of high-sulphur fuel, the rate of release of sulphur dioxide from coal burning operations can be reduced, especially during the periods of adverse meteorological conditions, and consequently reduce the air pollution problem.

               Investigations have shown that fuel additives are effective in reducing smoke gas turbines. Hence, probably they may be used to reduce emission of smoke, soot, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, associated with incomplete combustion, and thus reducing the air pollution problem.

 

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Homemade Watermelon Mocktail: Nosh Farmayen

Posted on April 14, 2018 by Rashid Faridi

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Tourism Planning: Some Thoughts

Posted on April 14, 2018 by Rashid Faridi

The nature and scope of tourism planning continues to be primary and in its infancy, because most government officials and tourism industry practitioners harbour their own definitions and parameters of the task.

Tourism planning is multi-dimensional and is purposely integrative.The narrow definitions and perspectives of special interest groups, particular disciplines and professions, and each of the various contributory industries and activities are likely to miss the opportunities which are inherent in planning.

Business leaders interpret tourism within the scope of their industry, as government officials interpret tourism according to their departmental responsibilities, and as various interest groups pursue an interpretation which serves their particular purposes. Seldom are the interests of tourism per se revealed, that is tourism in its most expansive form incorporating social, cultural, environmental, economic, technological, trade, psychological, political and many other dimensions. Clearly, it is extremely difficult for any consideration of tourism to be encyclopaedic; however, that is not really the challenge – the challenge is for the relevant dimensions in any case or circumstance to be considered in an integrated fashion.

There is general concurrence that the pursuit of planning is seldom as successful as its most ardent advocates would like. Perhaps this is not surprising given the complexity of the many decisions of individuals, corporations, businesses and governments. As skills in planning have increased, it has become commonplace that planning should be continuous, flexible, reflective of changing socio-cultural aspirations, and responsive to new opportunities.

Thus, planning has become increasingly strategic. In addition, it has become increasingly integrated. The reasons for this second emphasis have included recognition of the need to:

  • combine different sets of values
  • respond to different sets of objectives
  • be responsive to demands of interconnectedness and pluralism
  • incorporate tactics to deal with ambiguity, uncertainty, and complexity.

Even in the less complex circumstances of island countries at the early phase of tourism development, it will be necessary for those charged with the responsibility to oversee or administer tourism planning in the public interest to be cognisant of the two special dimensions — strategic planning and integrated planning.

The approach to tourism planning should recognise that:

  • tourism is of world-wide significance,
  • planning can be used to avert the negative consequences of tourism
  • tourism can be symbiotic with biodiversity conservation
  • planning is multi-dimensional
  • planning is pluralist, serving many constituencies and stakeholders
  • planning is political.

In addition, the three crucial underpinnings of contemporary tourism planning should be that tourism must be strategic, integrative, and have a regional perspective.

Link(s) and Source(s):

Here

Hierarchy of Planning Regions

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