Our ancestors had developed the art or earthquake safe construction and were able to build 4 – 5 storied houses almost 1000 years back and these have survived the test of time.
Santa Banta
Santa’s “Rubble Trouble” vs. Banta’s “Million-Year Old Khichdi”
Landslide debris provides favourable conditions for soil formation, which is an extremely slow process. The people of the Himalayan region curated agricultural terraces over the stabilised landslide debris for agriculture.
The “Bargain Plot” by the Spring and the Ancestors’ Knowing Wink
Despite agricultural land and water being being available on m middle and lower valley slopes people of the Himalayan region chose upper slopes for habitation as these places provided safety and strategic advantage. Preferring safety over convenience was the Golden Rule of our ancestors that we are evading.
Santa’s Search for the City Pill
Specific or specialised medicines are often unavailable in remote mountain areas and therefore pilgrims and tourists, especially the elderly and those with chronic conditions, should be made aware on this aspect.
The Pyasi Devi and the Sealed Courtyard
Protecting natural springs and their aquifer recharge zones is critical for water security and hydrological stability in the Himalayas. Particular care and concern is therefore required to safeguard the recharge zone.
The Master Plan
Santa dismisses a meeting of officials as bureaucratic squabbling before the Kanwar Mela. Banta explains it’s a vital multi-agency planning session, where creating a unified ‘Master Plan’ is the first step to ensuring public safety.
Santa’s Convenient Woodpile and the Hungry Wall
Little effort in safe storage of inflammable materials like wood, fodder and other fuel at a safe distance from the main dwelling can help one avert major fire incidence.
Santa’s Rollercoaster Ride with “Temporary Experts”
Experienced, expert and dedicated manpower is an asset for any organisation and investment on Human Resource need not be considered a financial liability and is a must for ensuring institutional memory and continuity.
The Triple Threat Inn
Rishikesh has high tourist & pilgrim footfall all through the year, which enhances the risk of various hazards to which this town is exposed & being spilt in three different administrative units complicates the situation.
The Road that Slept and the Path that Woke Up
When the “Shortcut to Heaven” was buried under a mountain of mud, Santa and Banta realized that speed is no substitute for strength. Discover how a forgotten stone path and a “human chain” taught a village that true resilience isn’t found in a government machine, but in the calloused hands of neighbors working together.