Coffee table book on water heritage out

Tribune News Service
Shimla, December 2

In an attempt to preserve the significance of water heritage in the hill state, eminent writer Raja Bhasin and IAS officer Arun Kumar Sharma have penned down a coffee table book – Himachal’s water heritage.

The 98-page book speaks about rivers, the Tawans, Pabbar, Ravi, Sutlej, Yamuna, Parbati and Beas, besides highlighting the facts of natural lakes, Manikaran geothermal springs and hydro projects.

“Rich in natural resources, Himachal is also known as the state of rivers and some even find their mention in the Puranas,” says Arun, adding that the future generations were probably unaware of their importance as concrete structures had brought the source of water to the brink of extinction. Therefore, the efforts were made in this direction.

“One of the purposes of the book is to assist in raising awareness that the precious resource is susceptible to threat from humans. If we choose to survive, then water has to be preserved,” he maintained.

“I had started this book during my stint in the Tourism Department but it would have remained unfinished if Governor Acharya Devvrat had not inspired me,” said Arun who is also the Secretary to the Governor and general secretary of the state Red Cross Society.

The book is priced at Rs 1,400 and all money from the sale of the book will be given to the Red Cross Society and spent on the service of the suffering human beings. Releasing the book on Friday, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said the book would provide guidance for available water resources and their usefulness in the state.