This is the loud and unpleasant cry of the wonderful creations of Nature. The twin cold water geysers at Chincholi in Gulbarga, considered to be rare occurrences in drylands, are counting their last days, reflecting the apathetic attitude of the district administration in-charge of their protection.
Geysers or natural fountains are frequent in the deep forests of our country. These natural fountains fling up jets of hot water (sometimes cold water too) at regular intervals through a vent in the surface.
In addition to this, in some areas, rainwater oozes through cracks in the rocks and drains into crevices and fissures or large cave-like chambers.
Since such geysers or springs are very rare in a region like Gulbarga, the twin geysers of Chincholi grabbed the attraction of nature lovers, environmentalists and scientists alike.
Unfortunately, Gulbarga district administration has failed to recognise the significance of these natural wonders.
These twin cold water geysers have never gone dry, say the locals. In the year 1972, when North Karnataka was reeling under severe drought, the district administration had supplied water from these geysers to 25 villages around Chincholi.
These geysers have two tanks, where five 'Shivalingas' and one 'Nandi' are placed. Water rises in these tanks round the clock, and people utilise it for their routine needs. These geysers even double up as swimming pools for children.
However, no details about the geysers, including history and the source of the water, are available. People assume River Mullamari, which flows near these geysers, to be the source of the water in these geysers.
Protection needed
These historical and amazing creations of Nature need proper protection as illegal activities are going on indiscriminately at the site of these geysers. Leaders of political parties and the officials concerned have completely neglected these geysers, regrets Jagannatha Sherikar, a resident of Chincholi.
A few years ago, people of Bidar developed the Nanak Zara Geyser with able assistance from the local administration of Bidar and the elected representatives.
The geysers at Chincholi too expect similar treatment.