RBF project to come up in more hilly towns of Uttarakhand

Faced with acute drinking water shortage, the Uttarakhand government has decided to provide drinking water in several other hilly towns through river bank filtration (RBF) scheme which has ignited hopes to end the perennial problem in the hill state.

“We have identified six towns in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand where we would be supplying drinking water through the RBF scheme in future,” said Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan Secretary Appraisal P C Kimothi, the sole state-run drinking water supplying agency. The decision came after scientists and engineers successfully installed the riverbank filtration network at four hilly towns of Satpuli, Augustmuni, Karanprayag and Srinagar where they are working very well. “We have seen the RBF projects in these areas and found them in good condition,” said Thomas Grishek, Professor, the University Of Applied Sciences Dresden, Germany, which provided the know-how regarding the RBF project in Uttarakhand.

The RBF is an age-old European technique under which soil in the riverbeds naturally removes harmful microbes and organic material as water passes through it. Through this process, the filtered groundwater is obtained from aquifers that are hydraulically connected to rivers and lakes. Wells are dug on river banks to pump safe water out.

Under the Rs 7-crore project of providing safe drinking water, sanctioned by the Centre, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan has identified six more towns — Gochar, Rudraprayag, Gopeshwar, Almora, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.

Chopta Uttarakhand

Chopta is getting popular as a tourist destination since last few years. Situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state, Chopta is also known as mini Switzerland. Chopta is situated at an elevation of 2,600mts above sea level amidst dense forest. Enchanting views of the Himalayas is visible from Chopta. Chopta is the initiation point of the trek to famous Tungnath Mandir. The region is rich in varied flora and fauna. Rhododendron and deodar trees are found in abundant here.

Chopta is well connected by motorable roads and it lies on the Ukhimath – Gopeshwar road. It is one of the most picturesque spot of Uttaranchal state as the natural splendours seen from here are very diverse. Chopta is an offbeat destination and it acts as an interesting tourist getaway for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Chopta is situated on the Chandra Parbat and its most popular excursion are Tungnath Mandir and Chandrashila Peak. Tungnath Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Chandrashila is the highest point of the mountain on which Chopta is situated.
Places to See in Chopta

Tungnath Mandir: Situated at an astounding elevation of 3680mts above sea level, Tungnath Mandir is one of the Panch Kedar and highest temple of Lord Shiva. Tungnath Mandir can be reached by a 3.5km trek starting from Chopta. Ironically Tungnath Mandir the highest amongst Panch Kedar is easiest one to reach. The trek to Tungnath Mandir is easy but steep and tiring. Accommodation options are available at Tungnath Mandir. The temple remains closed from November to March.

Chandrashila: It is the highest point of the mountain on which Chopta and Tungnath Mandir is located. Chandrashila is situated at a breathtaking altitude of 4,000mts above sea level. Invigorating views of the 270 degree Himalayan range is distinctly visible from Chandrashila. It is located 1.5 km further of Tungnath Temple which makes it 5kms from Chopta.

Gopeshwar: It is situated 39kms from Chopta at an elevation of 1,500mts above sea level. Gopeshwar is the headquarters of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state.

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary: It is situated 7km from Chopta on Chopta – Gopeshwar Road. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is famous for breeding musk deer’s. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 5 square kilometres. It is an ideal place for tourists who loves animals and are looking for rare Himalayan wildlife.

Ukhimath: Situated 31kms from Chopta, Ukhimath is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. The idol of Lord Kedarnath is worshipped in Ukhimath during winters as the region of Kedarnath is prone to heavy snowfall during winters. The temples of Usha and Anirudh, Shiva and Parvati are worth a visit.

Deoria Tal: Perched at an elevation of 2438mts above sea level, Deoria Tal is a lake holding pristine water with captivating surroundings. The reflections of Chaukhamba peaks on the crystal clear water of Deoria Tal creats a magical world. Deoria Tal can be reached by an easy trek of 2km from Sari village located on Ukhimath – Gopeshwar road.