Aravali Hills Saved

Supreme Court to the rescue of the Aravalis

The Supreme Court of India came to the rescue of the Aravali Hills by banning all mining and other commercial activities on these ranges. This blanket ban effects all mining activities of both major and minor minerals including mining of stones and earth for construction. The ban applies to the hills in the Gurgaon and Faridabad region spread over 450 sq mtrs and is applicable till action plan is put into place by the Haryana Government to restore these hills to health. Due to the heavy mining and deforestation that has taken place in these hills over years , huge craters have been left in places where hills stood and the entire ecosystem has been disturbed. So far no action has been taken by the Government for restoration and reclamation of these hills.

This timely action of the courts will go a long way in preserving the ecosystem and restoration of these hills.

Diwali - The Festival of Lights

Diwali - the festival of lights is a major Hindu Festival and is celebrated in India by lighting lights and lamps . These lights and lamps signifies victory of Good over Evil.

In Hinduism, it is the homecoming of Lord Rama after 14years of Exile in a forest and after his victory over the Demon Ravana.

Diwali also signifies the end of the harvest season in most of India. Traditionally, it also marks the end of financial year of a businesses and closure of books of accounts. Prayers are offered to the Goddess of Wealth - Laxmi for prosperity and wealth through the coming year. Doors of houses are left open on Diwali so that the Laxmi can enter the house and bring wealth with her.

Entrances to houses are decorated with flowers and intricate designsCandles lit outside a house in Gurgaon

Crackers, rockets and other fireworks are a Major attraction on Diwali. The evening can be extremely noisy with crackers being burst all around. The night is totally lit up with fireworks.Night View of houses lit up at Diwali

Gurgaon - Eating Places - The Chowk

There are numerous eating places in Gurgaon. One interesting place is 'The Chowk' in MGF mall on MG Road in Gurgaon. Good tandoori Indian food. Recommend to try out their Kasturi Kababs. Place is moderately price - about Rs 400 ($ 10) per head without drinks. The bar is decently stocked - but dont expect any fancy liquor. Do not try any cocktails at the bar - quite bad. Best to settle for beers . No decent wines either. However food is good and I would recommend this place for a nice well priced meal.

Gurgaon by Night

Gurgaon is a bustling city south of New Delhi. This is probably the most dynamic city in India today and is the preferred commercial destination for multinationals with most major international companies have their Indian operations headquartered in Gurgaon.

The main road of Gurgaon - MG Road is also popularly known as Mall road with over 25 malls scheduled to open on this short stretch of 4 KM. Currently most of the leading retail outlets already have a presence on MG Road.

Gurgaon is one of the most happening places with numerous pubs and eating joints . However infrastructure is a problem with inadequate power, shortage of water and huge traffic jams on the roads.