MYHICAL SARASWATY IS A REALITY

From my book CHILDHOOD MEMOIRS

SARASWATY- MYTH OR REALITY?

 The study of subterranean water channels (SWC)

 According to Hindu mythology Ganga, Yamuna and the underground Saraswaty meet at the holy Sangam at Allahabad. We tend to dismiss Saraswaty as just a myth, but invariably myth is based on some facts and are unraveled by historians. Remains of Dwaraka city have been recently discovered under the sea. Such instances are numerous.

 G. T. Vigne, Esq. F.G.S. who traveled in Kashmir and Ladak in 1830’s describes how the river Burengi goes underground near Shahbad and resurfaces at a point downstream:

 “The Burengi river, after flowing for some distance under the bank, suddenly disappears beneath the ground. It first loses a portion of its water in numerous little whirlpools, that are seen in full play amongst the rounded stones in its bed; and all that escapes absorption in that place pursues its course for a little farther, where it suddenly disappears through the bottom of a large fissure, formed by the almost perpendicular position of the limestone strata, and nearly large enough to allow a man on horseback to sit upright in it. The natives say that the spring of Achibul, or Yech-I-bul, is but the reappearance of the river Burengi. Probability is strongly in favour of this theory. Walnut-shells that have been thrown in it in Burengi are said to have reappeared at Achibul; and the direction thus ascribed to the river is much the same, as it would have followed on the surface. The greater proportion, however, of the water of the Burengi river has been preserved from submersion, by a canal cut by one of the Mogul Emperors, by which it sinks, to some distance below it, and its waters are used for irrigating purposes.”

 Whirlpools are said to be common in the Ganga. These indicate vertical downward movement of water into a hole, somewhat similar to the movement of cyclones, but in the reverse direction. Water may thus enter even a subterranean channel inside the rock structure below the soil surface and re-emerge at unexpected points as springs which are quite wide spread and have attracted the attention of geographers from early 19th century. In the islands of Malta the inhabitants depend upon springs in the absence of wells. Springs are common in Europe and even in deserts. Hot springs of Iceland are famous from time immemorial.

 G.T. Vigne, Esq. F.G.S. has described a dozen springs in Kashmir and one hot spring even near a glacier in Ladak. Apart from the hot springs of Yamunotry, Gourikund and Badarinath, very little is known about the springs in the Himalayan region. It is desirable to have a compendium of springs in the whole of India showing particulars of:

1. Location.

2. Temperature.

3. Flow per second.

4. Perennial or seasonal.

5. Pure or containing minerals (analysis to be given).

 District collectors and other officials can help in collecting information regarding location of springs from the local people.

 Such information will help in understanding and mapping the SWCs.

 Water vents were discovered right at the bottom of the seas in 1976, of which early sailors were aware on account of the tremendous force with which the water flows upward and may even overturn vessels.

 If we imagine the earth without oceans and sands and surface soil, what is left will consist of continuous rock structure, extending from top of huge mountains to the bottom of deep oceans. The rock is porous and permeable. Water interacts with chemicals in the rock and dissolves them. Ice cracks up crevices and certain roots dissolve rocks, and, in millions of years, a whole network of channels are formed, filled with water. The total water content of SWCs is estimated to be thousands of times higher than the water content of all surface channels such as rivers, streams etc put -together.

 Unfortunately, very little is known and recorded about SWCs. Just as the rivers have been explored by geographers, SWCs too require concerted study by a group comprising experts from geology, hydrology, and oceanography, apart from geography, to determine their origin, route, and destination. After obtaining a three dimensional map of SWCs, it maybe possible to:

1.  Block a SWC at a suitable point and connect it to a stagnant lake to make it alive.

2.  Connect SWC reservoir to a dry river to augment the flow.

3.  Pump out the water from SWC for irrigation purposes or drinking.

This way, we can release pressure from the rock system,  to reduce the intensity of earthquakes.

 Even if no commercial exploitation is feasible, it is necessary to study SWCs for the sake of our knowledge. If millions of dollars can be spent, to study water in the Mars, should SWCs remain unexplored for want of money?

 What is the relevance of river Saraswati in this study?

 Considering the similarity in the source of Ganga and Yamuna, in glaciers of Himalayas, it is highly surprising that there is very little flow in the Yamuna. It is also noteworthy that at Sangam, the Ganga is clear whereas Yamuna is turbid. If the water of Yamuna goes underground to join SWCs which open at Sangam, the absence of water in the river and turbidity of the Yamuna at Sangam can be explained.

There is also the possibility that,  a part of the Alaknanda river goes underground, at the Mana pass. The guide actually shows the spot, I am told.