Mired with inexplicable convolution and quandary, the relationship with Mother Nature was threatened to the point that big changes were noticed by the people of Mount Abu. What was exclusively and interestingly pointed out by the dwellers of the area was the significantly less number of Chiropteran bats. The renowned curio shop-owner Harjeet Singh Gujral, being a long time dweller in Mount Abu, reacted to the news. He was reminded of the humongous number of bats that flew between the distances from his home to school. Other citizens supported him in this cause and actually caused an alarm for the fast diminishing creature that was once praised in poems by experts like D H Lawrence.
The concern was rather very proper and factual since these mammals are noteworthy contributors to the healthy maintenance of an ecosystem. The bat is an essential link since it serves in pollination, especially in the forest zones of Mount Abu that is hardly treaded by man. Trees in this area are solely dependent upon the pollination carried out by different species of animals. Interestingly and very amusingly, bananas, dates, figs and avocadoes along with the delicious mangoes, cashews and peaches are grown in this zone with the help of bats. Without the trees being provided a new life it was naturally impossible to maintain the biological balance. Eventually the fact was harming the consequent development and existence of many other mammal species here.
When such anxieties are conveyed to the concerned authorities, the city was declared to be eco-sensitive officially in 2009 on 25th July. Interestingly, Mount Abu is the first eco-sensitive zone declared amongst the northern states in India. Further steps have been taken to conserve both natural and man-made heritages within the city. To protect the divergent population of different species, that includes Sloth bears and endemic plants, the sanctuary has been marked for preservation. The concern was also emphasized by the fact that a huge number of tourists every year come to visit this 288 kilometers wide-spread bio-diverse zone.
With the administration being warned and appropriate steps been taken, the extensive construction activities were completely stopped near the eco-sensitive Mount Abu. The directive from Apex court actually helped the mammals to come back and settle in the aberrations of the neighborhood of Mount Abu. The hibernation and gradual multiplication of the population of bats must have been excellent since these creatures are seen more in number now, after about five years from the verdict. The Dell Bungalow in Mount Abu provides a good show of bats for any passer-by.
The burgeoning pace of carbon footprint has also been curtailed by a major difference through the impressive and infallible decision taken by the concerned authorities setting an example for the rest of the world.
