Himalaya ki Ganga : Story of Bhojwasa

 This is the story of Bhojwasa located at an altitude of 3,800 meters above the sea level. Bhojwasa is the camp site on the Gangotri Gaumukh trek, just four kilometer before Gaumukh, the source of Bahgirathi. There is no habitat here except for a Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Guest House and Lal Baba Ashram. Facilities remain extremely modest so anyone visiting here must have prior arrangements for the basic needs and food facilities. The passage is out for public after the closure of the Gangotri Dham Temple immediately after Dipwali and again open for public in April.

The Dharali tragedy and the future of Uttarakhand

Vidya Bhushan Rawat

The devastation brought by the massive #FlashFlood2025 at the Khirganga gad in #Dharali is heartbreaking. It was a beautiful village just on the high way and with easy access to tranquil #Bhagirathi. The village actually falls in #Harsil valley and one of the most beautiful regions surrounded by the snow clad peaks and stunning view of Bhagirathi. Many other small streams flows into Bhagirathi in and around these places.

There is a small market where people would stop over and have their meal before moving to #gangotridham or while returning from there. Though Harsil was a more famous village, the fact is Dharali's location and surrounding made it look better. The distance between the two is about 6- kilometers. There is an ancient temple #kalpkedar slightly towards the river side. The simple looking #khirganga which is actually a gad or gadera, a natural stream from the high mountain passing through its natural flow and emptying at the Bhagirathi. In fact, history shows, that the biggest devastation in the hills have always been brought by these Gads and Gaderas and the reason for this is that most of the time they look miner stream so much of their natural space is occupied by the new concrete jungle being erected so fast in the #himalayas.

Look at this video of Khir-Gad at Dharali on a normal day. I took this video a couple of years back when I was going to Gangotri. I had an opportunity to stay at Harsil and had my lunch at Dharali.

The pressure of #ChardhamYatra is enormous on the state where extending infrastructure is difficult and 'bhakts' always blame that they dont get cheap and comfortable stay. The Indian tourists want the facilities of their home everywhere. Even if they go to #kedarnath or #Gangotri they seek the same facilities. Now they threaten too claiming that it is because of them the economy of #uttarakhand function.

The #cloudburst theory is not widely being accepted by the scientists who suggest that the rains were not heavy in the region including Harsil, #Mukhba and #gangotridham. Times of India reported that it might be the case of #glaciallakeoutburst which create the most dangerous situation for the nearby locations. So far there are about 1266 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand state and 13 are considered to be high risk, the newspaper reported.

Several years back, we saw the massive devastation caused by the Glacial Lake burst at #nandadevimassif resulting in the tragedy at the #RishiGanga #Dhauliganga confluence near village #Reni, the historic epicentre of #Chipkomovement.

Right now, reports are also coming in of possible formation of a artificial lake on Bhagirathi near Harsil army base which too faced devastation due to flash flood. Army is already there active in the rescue operation despite its own problems in the area.

As reports coming in that Dharali is completely cut off from the rest of the country. The rescue teams which were dispatched have been stuck in between as more and more reports of landslide and caving in of the National High way at different places are coming in. In 2024, the government gave permission for broadening of the Gangotri High way from Harsil to Gangotri against all the environmental norms. The local protested against the same as thousands of Deodar trees were earmarked for cutting and felling to make way for the National High way. The report of local's resistance to broadening of this road has been carried out in The Hindustan Times on August 29,2024. It says, ' “We have come across the forest clearance applications that the BRO has made. Firstly, the entire road widening project in the eco-sensitive zone is in violation of the Ravi Chopra committee’s findings and warnings. Secondly, BRO has claimed these stretches are not in eco-sensitive zone. How is that possible? We also want our road to be in good condition but we do not want further loss of precious forests. This area is extremely prone to landslides. Locals are already suffering. We have met the district magistrate also regarding our concerns,” said Pushpa Chauhan, former gram pradhan, Bhatwari and entrepreneur.

Sadly, all this is happening in the reason which was declared by the Central government as Eco Sensitive Zone in 2010. The 135 kilometer stretch from Uttarkashi to Gaumukh is extremely fragile Eco sensitive zone and equally important for the Hindus who revere Maa Ganga and travel to its source at Gaumukh. The final notification of it came in 2012 and was termed as 'anti developmental' by many politicians. Now, the government has started 'developmental' work again and we face the fury of nature.

Just a few days, Supreme Court actually feared that #himachalpradesh would vanish from the map if the government does not act and the warning was equally important for the state of Uttarakhand state too. Both the states have faced severe disaster in the last few years. With rapid urbanisation and inflow of tourists from outside, the pressure to develop new infrastructure has resulted in homes being converted into 'Stayhomes' and with the mushrooming of hotels and resorts everywhere, we see an encouragement in the name of 'employment' generation. With no employment in the sight, the only opportunity to earn a few bucks is during the CharDham Yatra but that too has not helped the locals who do the maximum menial work while the big bosses of these resort and hotels are in Delhi and Chandigarh.

Many years ago, Supreme Court had asked government not allow any houses or resort with in 100 meters of the river bed. A PIB release in 2021 actually provided details of the NGT order in this regard. It says, 'Further vide its order dated 15.12.2017, Hon’ble NGT has directed that no construction would be permitted in the Flood Plain in consonance with the judgement of the Tribunal in the case of Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action Vs. National Ganga River Basin Authority & Ors. Hon’ble NGT reiterated that in the area falling within 50 mtrs from edge of the river in the hilly terrain, no construction would be permitted, nor any other activity carried out and it shall be treated as Prohibitory Zone. Beyond 50 mtrs and up to 100 mtrs in the hilly terrain it shall be treated as Regulatory Zone. Regulatory activity shall be notified by the State and till that time there shall be no construction activity permitted in that area. Once the river enters the plain or even hilly areas where width of the river is more than 70 mtrs, in that event area of 100 mtrs from the edge of the river shall be treated as Prohibitory Zone while 100 mtrs to 300 mtrs would be treated as Regulatory Zone and till the time the State notifies the restricted activities, there shall be no construction activity even in the Regulatory Zone.'

Things are not same in Uttarakhand where massive concretisation process continue unabated. Hydropower projects, drilling of mountains, unregulated mass tourism in the name of Chardham Yatra added with Kanwar Yatra are only adding enormous pressure on mountains. In the name of yatra, we have promoted the cheap mass tourism which is least bothered about the sentiments of the hill people as well as respecting the sensitivities of the mountains. The result is most of these sacred spaces have now become a 'religious picnic spot' with political leaders want more and more people to pour in. Kedarnath, which cant host over 1000 people actually host 20 to 30 time more pilgrims on a daily basis resulting in the collapse of the infrastructure.

We do understand the need for development but cant we need to protect them too. Himalayas are our border, our safety and security. They are feed us through various rivers including Ganga which liberate us even after our deaths. It is important that government think over these seriously. Protect Himalayas will only happen with our respect for nature. No need to think that human being can achieve anything or can win over everything. The whole idea of winning over nature will only bring disaster as we are witnessing.

Ganga and our sacred rivers as well as our mountains are not asking us anything. They only need our respect. Why cant we do that. We cant this be treated our heritage and declared heritage zone. Regulate the Yatra. Stop mindless construction. No construction on river bed. Has there been any implementation of the NGT order ? Just travel to a few places even in the low land areas of Gangas in Uttarakhand and you will find resort and hotels on the river bed. Who gave them permission. Everytime, we say a wake up call but nothing happen.

We hope the Dharali disaster will wake us our political class who decide our future. Let the government follow its own guidelines Gangotri Zone as Eco Sensitive Zone. Stop mindless broadening of the highway as well as constructions of hotels, resorts and hydropower projects.

Right now, we wish protection and safety for all those who are suffering in this enormous tragedy. It has been extremely painful to hear all this yesterday. I happened to pass through these places, spent some time in the beautiful locales. Our condolences with those who lost their near dear ones and big salute to all those workers from the armed forces, NDRF and SDRF who have been working day and night to protect innocent lives. The people of Uttarakhand deserve better. Hope government respect the eco sensitivity of the region and plan its policies accordingly.

We need to develop a harmonious relationship with nature to live peacefully with it. The massive devastation has exposed our developmental model. It is a wake up call. Respect our rivers, mountains and nature by protecting their sanctity and stop your futile attempt to score a victory over nature. Time to accept that no human power can control nature and the more you try to damage nature the biggest will the repercussions for the humanity.

Myth verses Reality of Indian Polity

 

Debunking Myths About India's First Prime Minister: Setting the Record Straight on Nehru's Legacy

Vidya Bhushan Rawat

Recent social media posts have sparked controversy by claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Indira Gandhi’s uninterrupted tenure as India’s prime minister. These narratives conveniently omit that Indira Gandhi served not only from 1966 to 1977 but also from 1980 until her tragic assassination on October 31, 1984. More disturbingly, some have falsely labeled Jawaharlal Nehru as an “unelected” prime minister from 1946 to 1952, alleging he swore allegiance to the British Crown rather than the Indian Constitution. Such claims, often propagated by ideologically driven groups, distort India’s political history and undermine the legacy of its freedom struggle. This article sets the record straight by examining the facts surrounding Nehru’s tenure and the interim government of 1946–47.

The Interim Government of 1946: A Diverse Coalition

The interim government, formed on September 2, 1946, under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, was a critical step in India’s transition to independence. It was not a unilateral appointment but a coalition reflecting India’s diverse political landscape. The first cabinet included:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru – Vice-President of the Executive Council, External Affairs & Commonwealth Relations
2. Vallabhbhai Patel – Home Affairs, Information & Broadcasting
3. Baldev Singh – Defence
4. John Matthai – Finance
5. C. Rajagopalachari – Education
6. C.H. Bhabha – Commerce
7. Rajendra Prasad – Food & Agriculture
8. Asaf Ali – Transport & Railways
9. Jagjivan Ram – Labour
10. Sarat Chandra Bose – Works, Mines & Power (resigned; replaced by Vallabhbhai Patel)
11. Syed Ali Zaheer – Law
12. Cooverji Hormusji Bhabha – Commerce (later handled Works, Mines & Power)

On October 26, 1946, the Muslim League joined, adding members like Liaquat Ali Khan (Finance), I.I. Chundrigar (Commerce), Abdur Rab Nishtar (Posts & Air), Ghazanfar Ali Khan (Health), and Jogendra Nath Mandal (Law, representing Scheduled Castes). This coalition, formed under British oversight, required all members to take an oath of allegiance to their office, administered by the Viceroy. There is no evidence suggesting Nehru’s oath differed from that of his colleagues, including Patel or Mandal.

The First Cabinet of Independent India

After independence on August 15, 1947, Nehru led India’s first cabinet, sworn in under Governor-General Lord Mountbatten. This cabinet was equally diverse, comprising:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru – Prime Minister, External Affairs & Commonwealth Relations, Scientific Research
2. Vallabhbhai Patel – Home Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, States
3. Baldev Singh – Defence
4. Rajendra Prasad – Food & Agriculture
5. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad – Education
6. John Matthai – Railways & Transport
7. Rafi Ahmed Kidwai – Communications
8. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur – Health
9. B.R. Ambedkar – Law
10. R.K. Shanmukham Chetty – Finance
11. Syama Prasad Mookerjee – Industry & Supply
12. C.H. Bhabha – Commerce
13. Jagjivan Ram – Labour
14. N.V. Gadgil – Works, Mines & Power

This cabinet included luminaries like Patel, Ambedkar, and Mookerjee, all of whom took the same oath of office as Nehru. Claims that Nehru alone swore allegiance to the British Crown are baseless and lack documentary evidence. The oath was a standard procedure for all ministers during the transitional period.

Debunking the “Unelected” Myth

The assertion that Nehru was an “unelected” prime minister from 1946 to 1952 is a gross misrepresentation. The interim government was formed following the 1946 provincial elections, where the Indian National Congress secured a significant mandate. Nehru was chosen as the leader by elected representatives, not appointed by the British. The Constituent Assembly, tasked with drafting India’s Constitution, was also elected indirectly through provincial assemblies. To dismiss Nehru’s leadership as “unelected” is to question the legitimacy of the entire Constituent Assembly, including the contributions of figures like Ambedkar, who drafted the Constitution, and Patel, who unified the princely states.

The transfer of power was a gradual process, beginning in the 1930s with the Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced provincial autonomy and elections. The Indian National Congress boycotted the 1930 elections but participated fully in 1937 and 1946, winning majorities in most provinces. Nehru’s appointment as head of the interim government and later as India’s first prime minister was rooted in this democratic mandate, not British fiat.

The RSS and Historical Revisionism

Certain groups, often aligned with the RSS, have propagated narratives that vilify Nehru while ignoring the collective contributions of his contemporaries. These narratives falsely single out Nehru for taking an oath of allegiance, conveniently ignoring that Patel, Mookerjee, and others took the same oath. Such selective storytelling aims to discredit Nehru’s legacy while whitewashing the contributions of others who worked alongside him.

The claim that Nehru was solely responsible for post-independence challenges is equally misleading. The partition, communal violence, and economic difficulties were complex issues tackled by the entire cabinet. Patel’s role in integrating princely states, Ambedkar’s work on the Constitution, and Azad’s contributions to education were integral to India’s early years. To pin all failures on Nehru while ignoring the collective responsibility of his cabinet is intellectually dishonest.

A Unified Vision for India

Nehru, Patel, Ambedkar, and their contemporaries had differences, as is natural in a democracy. However, they shared a commitment to a secular, democratic, and inclusive India. Their debates—whether between Nehru and Patel on governance or Nehru and Ambedkar on social reforms—were rooted in a shared vision for a united nation. The Constitution, a product of their collective efforts, embodies this vision with its emphasis on secularism, socialism, and republican democracy.

Critics who reject secularism or socialism as foundational principles are, in effect, challenging the very framework of India’s Constitution. The freedom struggle, led by these leaders, was not a gift from the British but a hard-won victory through decades of sacrifice. To reduce it to petty political point-scoring is to diminish the legacy of India’s independence movement.

Conclusion

India’s rise as a global power owes much to the visionary leadership of Nehru, Patel, Ambedkar, and others who laid its foundation. Distorting their contributions for political gain undermines the nation’s history and the sacrifices of its freedom fighters. Nehru was not an unelected leader imposed by the British; he was a democratically chosen prime minister who led a diverse cabinet through tumultuous times. The facts are clear: Nehru, like his colleagues, took the same oath, worked for the same nation, and shared the same dream of a free, inclusive India. Let us honor their legacy by embracing truth over propaganda. Moreover, it is equally important that a prime minister might have a short tenure but might be much more respected for his life. Two of India's greatest prime ministers were Lal Bahadur Shastri and Vishwanath Pratap Singh and their term was limited but when history was written then their role as political leaders, their simplicity of life, honesty of ideology would always be remembered. Let us be clear that a nation wil not count days and years of somebody's prime ministership. Leaders remain in our heart with the empathy they have for people and the vision for the future which is inclusive in nature and respect for diversity, liberal values and social justice.