Mesmerising Pong Dam[/caption]
In its first few, the waters and the site of Pong Dam hypnotize the mind.
It is only when you have blinked a few times you will visualize that this enrapturing world in itself lacks the mirage touch.
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Dead cattle near the waters of Pong Dam[/caption]
The wide-open lands which peck the grayish green waters are the grazing lands. Many munch to satisfaction and a few sleep to the silence of death waiting for nature’s or the government’s cleaners to arrive for them.
The road connecting the waters from the gate is the road to the heavens. It needs to be found and to be trusted that it exists. Ankush is the in charge of the gate to the dam waters. He shared proudly, ” We receive 10-12 foreign nationals annually.”
It was then when I wondered why would a state which has high hopes from tourism take amateur weak tiny steps when the age is right to leap and reach the target.
Pong Dam gate was constructed on 7th July 2018.A pile of cycles lay close to the gate under the shed.They might be for the wishful cycle route which also exists somewhere.A few motorcycles including a golf cart were also parked. Golf cart made a comfortable seat for the locals . Please excuse me for not mentioning the crater-like ditches which are visible on the drylands.
They are the prominent eyesores visible.A few said they are the swimming pools. A few said they were dug when the work started. Yes! It once did. Others say that they are natural ponds.
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Basics seeking basic attention[/caption]
Pong Dam offers a bag full of opportunities waiting to be harnessed. The state government is sitting on the gold mine.”Bathu in Laddi ” are the temples which submerge in the water when the dam waters are full. While they can be seen when the water decreases. Among many, this side is known as mini Goa.
Interestingly Goa is the state which is minting money, credit to its beaches and a strong network of hotels and homestay. The heat and humidity are never enough to bother the tourist thronging to Goa. This only proves that proper promotions along with the right facilities can open Pong Dam to the world. Himachal Pradesh can have a beach like facility in a better climatic zone.
The icing on the cake is that this place is also connected with the toy train route. This will add to the fun and joy of the tourist , if planned and presented well by the state.
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Road to The heavens[/caption]
Interacting with the locals in Nagrota Surya made me believe in that ray of hope which if given a chance can make its way from the files through the government permissions will light kilometres and kilometres of the area surrounding the Pong Dam.
The area lacks the joints offering dishes made with local freshwater fish. It lacks comfortable hotels and homestay. The dam waters lack the fancy water sports which can turn the tables for good. It lacks the implementation of the facilities which are passed on papers. The world awaits to know and feel the beauty of Himachal.]]>
Sunday, December 22, 2024
The idea for a dam on the Beas at the Pong site was first proposed in 1926 and subsequent surveys of the Indus River and its tributaries were ordered by the Punjab Government in 1927. Interest in the dam declined after the report deemed the project difficult because of flood waters. In 1955, geological and hydrological studies were carried out on the Pong site and an embankment design was recommended. In 1959, extensive studies were carried out and recommended an embankment dam with a gravity section. A final design was issued and construction began in 1961 on the dam which was called Beas Project Unit II – Beas Dam. The Pandoh Dam 140 km (87 mi) upstream being the Beas Project Unit I.