My king banned in Europe.

European Union bans Indian mangoes, vegetables due to concerns over pests

The European Union’s Standing Committee on Plant Health decided to impose a ban on Indian mangoes and some vegetables from May due to concerns over the presence of pests and insects in consignments arriving from India

It was imposed in March after fruit flies were found in 207 shipments in 2013, leading to fears that the non-native species could contaminate European crops.

The Times of India poked fun at the ruling last week, saying: "Those jittery Europeans have taken fright at some fruit flies in our mango exports, flies which they fear will wreak havoc on their tomatoes and cucumbers”

Due to this it effects most in market and alphanso prices slashed down, a box of four dozen mangoes which cost Rs 5000/- now became Rs 1000/-

If we bargain in market for a dozen mangoes we can get range of 50/- to 500/- which makes lots of loss of most of Mango Exporters. Due to early rain in May and rise in temperature most of mango consignments were rotten and become defective.

We hope at least next year my king will get more prestige in World.

Diva Sawantwadi Passenger Accident - 2014

When I heard news, DERAILMENT OF 50106 UP SAWANTWADI – DIVA PASSENGER TRAIN BETWEEN SAVARDA – KAMATHE STATION NEAR CHIPLUN, I stunned…!!

Till now I can prefer and faith only one transport to go to my konkan as rail routes but after this news many of us got shocked. This is one of most frightening mishap happen in Konkani belt.

Diva Passenger Train coming towards Mumbai, first 3 Coaches  of the train derailed between Savarda & Kamathe Station atleast 19 passengers were killed and more than 100 injured when the engine and coaches of a passenger train derailed.

As we all know Diva passenger is one of crowded train on this route, so we can imagine the situation at the time of mishap happened.

For rescue operation which happened we must thanks to local villagers who came forward and help passengers, police officers, railway rescue workers and co- passengers.

The Railway Officers ordered an inquiry and Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge announced of Rs 2 lakh for the relatives of those killed in the accident, Rs 50,000 for the grievously injured and Rs 10,000 for those with minor injuries.

We heard many of stories in next day in news paper and feel condolence for those who lost their lives, but this is not enough have we thought how this happened? Some says this is because of over speed of railway engine, some says there was a crack on track and railway derailed because of this, some says because of heat rail track got cracked and derail happened.

Residents of nearby villages were the first to reach the spot, followed by fire brigade and railway officers. Injured were admitted to Roha, Nagothane, Panvel and Mumbai hospitals. Most of uninjured passengers walk down the track to reach next station. Konkan Railway remain stopped for about a day during that time railway arranged extra ST buses for convenience of passengers in konkan.

We can only pray that such incidences must not happened in future anywhere and be alert while travelling.

Be Vigilant Be Safe!!

Regards

Sulekh Yashwantrao

A weekend gateway in Alibaug – Awas

AWAS - Alibaug

As atmosphere become hotter during these days, I am here to introduce you a perfect weekend gateway near Mumbai.

Awas Beach is near Mandwa Jetty which is one of most fascinating and virgin beach to chill out with friend and loved ones. AWAS village is located close to Kihim, Awas beach is a stretch of beach with suru trees lining its shores. A vast stretch of sandy beach, Awas beach is a far less crowded beach and is the best beach to be in if you are looking to be away from everything in this part of Alibaug

To reach awas best option is to board jetty from gateway of India and then in same fare you can go till AWAS fata which is around 9 KM from mandwa jetty. Then you can choose to spend your time in one of resort near AWAS. There were few popular resorts such as AWAS beach resort, Joglekar Cottage are few of them you can find details of these on internet. These resorts provides many modern amenities too such as swimming pool, rain dance, AC cottages, family rooms etc. Room rents are vary from 500/- to 2000/ per person with lunch dinner and breakfast.

You can hire anyone of private banglow if you are planning with your family. Bwach is about 10-15 min walkin from awas village as these is less crowded beach a whole family or couple can have quality time with each other.

 Near AWAS you can plan to visit Sasawane beach too which is along the same streach. Some of villagers offer water sports near Mandwa jetty too or you can plan to visit Nagaon or Kashid beach which are 15-20 km away from awas.

Here are some beautiful pics in and around Alibaug :

Amala Tree

Coconut Tree

Find below options around AWAS alibaug,

Karmarkar Shipalaya-Museum (in AWAS) Mr. Vinayak. P. Karmarkar, born on 2nd October 1891, was among the most renowned sculptures of all times. Topper of J. J. School of arts, winner of Lord Meyo Medal and also alumni of Royal Academy; Karmarkar’s sculptures are a pleasure to see. There are approximately 200 of them in this museum with Hira Kolin and Shankhdhwani being the most noted ones. The sculptures are so beautiful that pictures shown here are not even comparable to the originals. Make it point to spend an hour or two here.

Pandwadevi Temple (1 km)- Awas:
Ancient, said being constructed at Pandwa's time.
Ganesh Temple

Nageshwar Temple (1 km)- Awas - Awas:
Rare temple of Cobra. Annual celebration called as Tripura Pournima Fair, which is held on previous day, invites 1.5 lakhs of pilgrimages

Kihim Beach - (2 kms.) from Awas Beach (low tide):
One of the beautiful beaches in the vicinity of Alibag. 

Alibag City - (18 kms.) from Awas:

District place where all nicely situated in one part of city

Nagav Beach - (25 kms.) from Awas:
One of the beautiful beaches in the vicinity of Alibag

Birla Temple - (40 kms.) from Awas:
Temple built by industrialist Birla Group when they started their ispat company there. This temple is big & Beautiful.

Murud Fort  - (60 kms.) from Awas:
A fort, consisting of three different forts inside. Huge fort situated close to shore but in deep see

From Mandwa jetty to awas phata trip is free which is included in your ferry fare. Then from awas phata to awas village you can hire auto which cost 10/- per person.

This is typical konkan village , Enjoy fresh breath in coconut and mango trees and have fun.

A light on Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant Project - JNPP

   Jaitapur is a small port situated in Rajapur Tehsil of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra State, India. Jaitapur lies on the sea coast in konkan.

Brief about project :

Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project is a proposed 9900 MW power project of Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) at Madban village of Ratnagiri.

If this project completed then this would be largest power plant in world till now.

This deal was signed on 6 december 2010 between french president Nicolas Sarkozy and Indian prime minister Manmohan singh for the construction of first set of two third-generation European Pressurized Reactor and the supply of nuclear fuel for 25 years .

French nuclear engineering firm Areva S.A. and Indian state-owned nuclear operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India signed this multi billion valued agreement of about $9.3 billion and estimated cost of this project is around 1000 billion (US$16 billion).

JNPP would be one of the costliest nuclear power plant projects considering its sheer size and the new technology. French officials say the reactors are expensive because of enhanced safety measures

http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/A_Brief_on_JNPP.pdf

Local Concerned (Protest) :

Jaitapur is in the Konkan region in the Western Ghats (in Rajapur). It is considered to be one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are threatened. This project will put this entire ecosystem at considerable risk.

There has been opposition to the project from the people of Jaitapur and the surrounding areas. Land has been forcibly acquired in most cases.

Now, these is view of individual concerned to support project or oppose it.
Being an villeger or local i would like to live in harmless and hygene environment, but goverment want to add value by deploying project forcefully and want to be one of superpower country.

Tha jaitapur indian nuclear plant is also an earthquake prone zone. Still do we want to take risk?

I won't say who is wrong or right now u decide....!

#KonkanLoverIndian

Ref:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaitapur_Nuclear_Power_Project
http://www.npcil.nic.in/main/jaitapur-atomic-power-plant.aspx

..Majestic Matheran..

Matheran, when we heard this hill station name we thought of pink-cold weather, honeymoon couples, fresh atmosphere, monkeys and horse rides … 

Yes, Matheran is wonderful weekend gateway, but not only for couples this hill station town is becoming famous for friends one day out or even stay picnic, family get together, relaxing time for married/unmarried couples.

Britishers developed matheran as a popular resort to beat the summer heat in that region. Matheran is only town where automobiles are not allowed except municipal ambulance and no private vehicles are allowed inside Matheran it also have large population of Monkeys so mind this WARNING!!! – Please don’t bring plastic bags, water bottle not even any other thing in hand otherwise monkeys will attack you to get that and they won’t fear you at all…!!!

                Matheran is red soil and pollution free town which makes it different than others and it’s also famous for its Toy Train, you can book this in advance from IRCTC. To reach Matheran some good options are to catch a train from CST – Karjat route and leave at Neral station ( don’t confused with Nerul which is harbor railway station) from Neral you have option of Toy train or Omani drive.

Toy train took almost two hours to reach at Matheran station but in winter its worth going from toy train with beautiful view of green valleys and other option is Omani drive towards Matheran town(which cost 75/- per person)

Matheran is a Hill Station in municipal council of the Raigad district Maharashtra, it cost 50/- rupee entry fees for each adult and 25/- for child.

If you are planning Matheran for one day then Mark for points to see and at least have detailed map of matheran then you can have ideas to reach from one point to another.

There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorama Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. Sunset and sunrise points. The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more.

There is Charlotte Lake, which gives you best view and relaxed your mood.

If you are planning matheran for two days as weekend then try booking in advance to get best resort and good view of room. You can book resort from Neral station also.

When you are planning try to bring necessary things with you like biscuits, oil, soaps etc. because each thing in matheran cost some more bugs/penny as all export from outside will be carried on horses or by humans which increases selling price.

There are lots of good options for resorts some are away from main station but relaxing and some are nearer to town, try to reach in resort before 6 PM afterward it’s all blackout in Matheran.

Matheran is safe for single traveler also it have hospitals, Police station and doctor on call in resorts.

Matheran have Union bank ATM in Town area.

In recent days, in some area of matheran they organized valley crossing campaigned which is bit exciting.

There are lots of trekkers groups who start trekking in night and reach matheran in early morning to see sunrise.

Right time to visit matheran is during winter season.

Please plan your trip in advance and have fun…..!!!

Wish you happy Travel !! Enjoy .. :) :)

Global Konkan fest in Navi Mumbai

Here is another change to get know Konkan culture and experience Konkani food and get know to available Real Estate/Properties in konkan and this all in one package come in Global Konkan festival this time in Navi Mumbai.

The city will host the Global Konkan Festival  for the first time from December 14-17 at the Cidco ground on Palm Beach Road.

Prior to these three previous editions of this festival were held in Mumbai western line, but this time Navi Mumbai will get change to host festival, the organizers have shifted it to the Navi Mumbai city.

The property exhibition-cum-festival will display art; events that detail Konkan culture, offer authentic cuisine and will also have a photography exhibitions.

According to officials this summit is aimed at boosting tourism, trade and commerce, infrastructure facilities and employment opportunity. This is an opportunity for people to explore Konkan's heritage, according to coordinator of the event.

For layman peoples this is just a day out for enjoyment and you just grab this change to get familiar with Konkan culture, tourism food and have fun.

Add this to your white list now and enjoy..

Organizers decided to held next Global Konkan Festival in London… J

Venue:

 It will be hosted by Cidco and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) at Cidco Ground, behind Jaipuriar School, Sector 18, Palm Beach Road, Sanpada from December 14 to 17.

Ref: Times of India

Real Estate World in Konkan

“I would be happy if I own my second home in Konkan” this is upcoming wish of every individual..

This wish capitalized by some builders and developers and with this real estate in konkan increasing rapidly.

Pen, Ratnagiri, Lanja, Rajapur, Kankavli, Sawantawadi becoming hub for residential complexes and consider future modern cities in konkan which will add five starts in konkan lifestyle.

Good part is all modern facilities such as hospitals, blood banks, Bank branches/ATMs etc. will come in all major cities.

With this I have choice to buy 1RK, 1BHK, 2BHK Row houses to Bungalow plot also I can go for modern facilities such as swimming pool, small play ground some of builders offers Scotty or car along with flat.

I won’t mind if all urban facilities will come near my home in konkan but if it affects rural atmosphere then I would worry a bit.

Is that mean, Konkan moving from Rural to Urban?

Prior this in summer vacation if we family decided to visit my home town, I dream of going in town where food cooked on fire, we all family enjoy playing in big common room in village house. All elders guide us though all types of plants around home.

We collect cashew nuts, mangoes, jackfruits and enjoy playing with it. I used to drink cold water from well and ‘MATAKA’

Today fire to cook food turns into gas and electric stove, common room turns into living room, no plants in and around home, fridge gives me cold water even in konkan.

In this situation I shall try to keep my home with rustic touch with modern amenities around it.

I suggest try to get home around 5 KM of city where doctors can reach on call, market will be available around walking distant so that I can stay in my home with safe and without tension even if I may new in town.

Hope you choose better place in konkan as your Home or Second Home…!!

Be Happy …. Best Luck.. J

Regards,

Sulekh Yashwantrao