Himachal villagers keen to preserve water powered mills

Kumrali (HP), Mar 19 (ANI): Villagers residing at Kumrali village in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh are keen to preserve the century old water powered mills "Gharat", which are on the verge of extinction.

The Gharat, which is used for grinding flour, rice and maize, has been a source of income.

With the arrival of modern grinding equipment and power, the traditional water mills are facing slow death.

However, the villagers who have been depending on this old method of grinding want to preserve it.

"We are trying our best to preserve but the government has not come forward to help us. We are still practicing this age old tradition of "Gharat" which was set up by our forefathers," said Shivlal, a villager.

The natural taste of flour from the mills run through water wheel still attracts a few villagers.

"After the arrival of the electricity-run machines, the demand of traditional flour mill has been reduced. But the people do not like the taste of the flour obtained from electricity run machines, they prefer the flour produced in the traditional way. Many people have complained of illness after consuming it. We are trying to preserve and lets see how our children continue," said Preetam, a villager.

"Gharats" have been used in the Himalayan and the northeastern region for centuries. By Hemant Chauhan (ANI)