Uttarakhand State PCS

• 12 Jul 2022

Rare Species of Algae Found in Badrinath

Why in News?

• Recently, the Department of Botany and Microbiology (Botany and Microbiology) of HNB Garhwal (Central) University has discovered a rare species of micro-algae in Narad Kund of Badrinath.

Key Points

• This algae has so far been found only in two countries including the state of Gujarat in India. This species was earlier observed in Gujarat in the year 1980. It was also seen in the US in 1966 and Bangladesh in 1987.
• This microalgae called Pseudobohlinia can become the best alternative to Bio-diesel (biofuel).
• Preeti Singh, who is doing research under the direction of Dr. Dhananjay Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Garhwal University, has discovered this rare species of micro-algae as well as analysed its productivity.
• Preeti Singh had taken samples of algae from the wall of Narad Kund located under Taptakund in Badrinath. The hot water of the hot pool falls in this pool. The temperature of the water is 30 to 40 degrees Celsius.
• After taking samples from the wall, they produced it in the department's laboratory. In the study that lasted for a year, they found four microalgae species along with normal algae. Three of these were seen in other places, but one species was found to be completely different.
• Preeti Singh said that not much was known about this algae . A fork-like shape was observed on the outer surface of this algae of about 5 micrometers. This algae spreads rapidly and also contains a good amount of lipids (fats).
• After the discovery of microalgae of rare species, its usefulness in making bio-diesel was researched. In some places in India, bio-diesel making work from algae is going on. Researchers at the University's Algal Lab conducted a comparative study of lipids in about 109 species of algae. Generally, algae contain 25 to 30% lipids. At the same time, Pseudobohlinia found the highest 33% lipids under normal circumstances. The amount of lipids increased significantly when a favorable environment was found, which is much better for making bio-diesel. Lipids are the major source of bio-diesel.
• It is worth mentioning that in view of the limited quantity of petroleum fuel, emphasis is being given to bio-diesel as an alternative . Under the biofuel policy of the central government, the target is to add up to 20 percent of bio-diesel to petroleum fuels, but this target is not being met. If the government insists on the production of microalgae, species like Pseudobohlinia could become a better option.

‘Maa Varahi Bagwal Mela' Declared as State Fair

Why in News?

• On July 11, 2022, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared the famous Devidhura 'Maa Varahi Bagwal Mela' of Champawat as a state fair. He has ordered the Chief Secretary to issue the GO immediately.

Key Points

• It is worth mentioning that some time ago in Champawat, the Chief Minister had announced to give the status of a state fair to the fair. For the first time since the declaration of the State Fair, the fair will be held under the aegis of the State Government this year. At present , the fair is organized at the level of district panchayat.
• The famous Bagwal fair, which is held on the day of Rakshabandhan, is also called 'Pathar Maar' fair at 'Maa Varahi Temple' in the famous Devidhura of Champawat district. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country and abroad reach Devidhura to see this fair.
• It is believed that this game of Bagwal in Devidhura has been going on since the mythological period. Some consider it to be a traditional festival from the Katyur regime, while others associate it with Kali Kumaon.
• According to the popular beliefs, in the mythological period, there was a custom of offering male sacrifices by the people of Char Kham to celebrate their aaradhya Varahi Devi. To please Mother Varahi, a male sacrifice was performed every year from the people of the four Khams. It is said that one year old Chamiyal Kham's turn was the turn of the male sacrifice of the family. Only the old lady and her grandson were alive in the family. The woman praised Mother Varahi for protecting her grandson. Mother Varahi gave darshan to the old lady and gave instructions to play bugle in the temple premises between the four holes, since then the practice of bagging started.
• Bagwal fair is held every year on the day of Ashadhi Kauthik (Rakshabandhan) in Kholikhand Dubachaud of Maa Varahi Dham temple in Devidhura of Pati block of Champawat district. Starting from stone, this Bagwal fair has been played with flowers for the past few years. In addition to the four Khams (Chamyal, Gaharwal, Lamgadiya and Walig) warriors of seven thoks take part in the Bagwal fair in the presence of lakhs of people.
• Bagwal Varahi is played in the courtyard of the temple, Kholikhand. It is played by young men and elders of all four places. The battles of Lamgadiya and Walig Kham are on one side, while on the other side the Ranbankures of Gahadwal and Chamyal Kham are standing.