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| People flock to Ranbir canal to beat the heat | | |
ARTEEV SHARMA
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Apr 23: With mercury across the region achieving new records this summer, the people are flocking to the Ranbir canal to spend some cool moments with the chilly Chenab water.
Since the temperature has touched the mark of 42 degree Celsius, the canal has become a magnet for morning walkers, youngsters and as a picnic spot for some people to enjoy the cool environs around the canal.
“This is major attraction for the people during the hot dry months of summers. Its water remains icy-cold throughout the year and its banks serve as good viewpoints and walkways,” said Sakshi Gupta a regular visitor to the area.
It is pertinent to mention here that a small garden along the canal, which runs through the city outskirts, provides a cool picnic spot during the summer and had remained an important part of the city life since the canal come into being some 80 years ago.
The canal branches off from the river Chenab at Akhnoor, 32 kms away and is important source of irrigation to farmers in the region during the dry season.
At any time of the day one can see the children even young as ten years dozing off in the canal waters. Raman, a college student who regular swimmer said, “You cannot find any best way to fight the temperature, its so soothing experience if you dip yourself in it”.
During the evening hours entire half-a-kilometer canal front become abuzz with activity with vendors setting up their stalls serving the incoming people.
It is not only the source of enjoyment during the dry season which engulf Jammu, but some people use the water as refrigerator.
“Fruits or water bottles kept in water for some time make it tasty to eat and drink as this is water straight from the mountains”, said Raj Kishore.
Although many old times complain that after the park was taken over by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, it has become out of bound for the common man.
“Earlier it was open to everybody without having to get ticket, but now they are charging with the result very few people prefer to come here,” said Kasturi Lal.
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