When the project was being set up, the authorities went to see the hill near the RPS Dam, under constuction. They liked the view from the top and impulsively decided to have the the township there, ignoring the long distance from the plant site, at least 45 mts. by car. As the distance by air was only a mile or so, it did not save the residents from radiation either.
For the sake of the Canadians, who were doing the work, free of cost, even seven bed room houses were made, each room connected to the kitchen by electric bell, swimming pool etc.
A rest house, a school for Canadian children, a library etc. were provided.
To avoid making a flat space for the houses, different rooms were constructed at different levels, with steps in front of the rooms, where necessary.
The monkeys, numbering hundreds, were a source of fun for the children, but a nuisance for adults.
When some lower type quarters became available, I got one. It was like a dream come true! From our window, one could see the valley down below, filled with fog in winter on some days, and the forest beyond, where wild animals including leopards, roamed in the rainy season.
Savitry’s son Krishna Das was also there. One day, both this nephew of mine and my son Sudhir, went to the forest towards Padajhar, a good picnic spot, with a water fall and a cave, from the roof of which clean water drops fell continuously and this was a source of drinking water for some people who lived there. We had been there several times and Sudhir knew the route well.
On the way, some wood cutters warned them of the flash floods that could fill the nullla (a stream) blocking their way home, but the boys ignored it.
It was quite dark when they reached the nulla on their return. It was inundated and the current swift. They could see the light in our house. They were hungry and dreamed of the delicious food awaiting them there. That night they lay down or sat on a rock turn by turn. Krish slept soundly, Sudhir told me afterwards.
When I came from office, I was told of the adventure of the boys. I had my supper and went to sleep. Not so the mother. She stood at the window looking for any sign of the boys coming in the dark, along with her own mother, who too had come there to stay with us……..
Next morning they came, limping and tired, hungry and thirsty, unable even to speak. After eating something in a hurry, they slept for two days continuously.
A rest house, a school for Canadian children, a library etc. were provided.
To avoid making a flat space for the houses, different rooms were constructed at different levels, with steps in front of the rooms, where necessary.
The monkeys, numbering hundreds, were a source of fun for the children, but a nuisance for adults.
When some lower type quarters became available, I got one. It was like a dream come true! From our window, one could see the valley down below, filled with fog in winter on some days, and the forest beyond, where wild animals including leopards, roamed in the rainy season.
Savitry’s son Krishna Das was also there. One day, both this nephew of mine and my son Sudhir, went to the forest towards Padajhar, a good picnic spot, with a water fall and a cave, from the roof of which clean water drops fell continuously and this was a source of drinking water for some people who lived there. We had been there several times and Sudhir knew the route well.
On the way, some wood cutters warned them of the flash floods that could fill the nullla (a stream) blocking their way home, but the boys ignored it.
It was quite dark when they reached the nulla on their return. It was inundated and the current swift. They could see the light in our house. They were hungry and dreamed of the delicious food awaiting them there. That night they lay down or sat on a rock turn by turn. Krish slept soundly, Sudhir told me afterwards.
When I came from office, I was told of the adventure of the boys. I had my supper and went to sleep. Not so the mother. She stood at the window looking for any sign of the boys coming in the dark, along with her own mother, who too had come there to stay with us……..
Next morning they came, limping and tired, hungry and thirsty, unable even to speak. After eating something in a hurry, they slept for two days continuously.
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