A scene near Dharakoh

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A scene near Dharakoh, a tiny railway station tucked into the valley of Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh State of Indian Union.  -- seen and photographed by me from a running Gondwana Express train passing through between Itarsi Junction and Betul Dt. HQrs around 6.40 AM on April 2, 2015.

Dharakoh is located in the thick of Satpura mountains. Three decades ago it was a dense forest while I was the district Collector and District magistrate (1977-79). There was a beautiful forest rest house on a hillock overlooking the railway station down below. During one of the week-ends I made a night halt in the rest house and inspected the forest area with forest officials.

Once a dacoity with murder took place on the train track between Darakoh and Muramjhiri railway stations. So the Superintendent of Police, Betul and I travelled on the inspection trolley of Railways and reached the spot for investigation.

I am pained to explain the way this forest range is preserved and protected these days. So pathetic and careless despite schemes and well intentioned forest officers.