DISTRICT: DEHRADUN

DISTRICT: DEHRADUN

Dehradun is in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas nestled between two of India's mightiest rivers — the Ganges on the east and the Yamuna on the west. The city is famous for its picturesque landscape and slightly milder climate and provides a gateway to the surrounding region. It is well connected and in proximity to popular Himalayan tourist destinations such as Mussoorie and the Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of Chota Char Dham.

Dehradun is renowned for its natural resources, publishing services and particularly for its educational institutions. It hosts training institutions of national importance such as the Indian Military Academy. It is home to national foundations such as the Ordnance Factory Dehradun, Opto Electronics Factory, and other defence establishments. Other institutions include the DIT University, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Law College Dehradun, Survey of India, Wadia Institute Of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Wildlife Institute of India and the Forest Research Institute. The list of villages selected under the project in Dehradun district is as follows.

List of Cluster and Corresponding Villages in  Dehradun District

S.N.	Cluster	Name of Village	Block	Number of Households	Total Population
1	Lakhamandal	Lakhamandal	Chakrata	185	1044
2	Mohana	Mohana	Chakrata	157	1135
3	Hanol	Hanol	Chakrata	39	180
4		Chatra	Chakrata	111	651
5		Khathiyan	Chakrata	42	341
6	Nagthat	Nagthat	Chakrata	NA	NA

DESCRIPTION OF CLUSTERS AND SELECTED VILLAGES

Cluster -1: Lakhamandal Cluster

The village Lakhamandal lies about 120 km. from state capital Dehradun, and 35 km from block headquarter Chakrata on the Mussoorie - Yamnotri road. The Yamuna River flows alongside Lakhamandal village where the historical temple is situated. Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple complex dedicated to lord Shiva. This temple is popular among the Shakti Cult, which believe that a visit to this temple shrine will end their misfortunes. It is built in North Indian Architectural style, which is common in the hilly regions of Garhwal, Jaunsar and Himachal.

Lakhamandal gets its name from the two words: lakha (Lakh) meaning "many" and mandals meaning "temples" or "lingam". Plenty of artistic works were found in the excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India. Currently the entire village is under protection of Archeological survey of India. The main attraction of this temple shrine is the graphite Lingam. It shines when wet and reflects its surroundings. According to the local people, this temple and the adjoining area are believed to be where Duryodhana of Mahabharata episode conspired to burn alive the Pandava in the Lakshyagriha house, constructed with shellac. On the way there is a cave which was used by Pandava’s to escape from Lakhsagrah.

Cluster-2:  Mohana Cluster

There are three villages in and around Tiger Fall namely Mohna, Sawara and Kandad. The cluster is located 20 km far from block headquarter Chakrata and 120 km away from Dehradun. The average height of the cluster is about 1300 to 1800 meter from sea level.

The major attraction for visitor in the area is Tiger fall. After 20 kms of drive from Chakrata it is about 1km trek downhill to reach Tiger fall. After a trek for half an hour downhill walk visitors can enjoy the beauty of fall and bathing in collected water. The 312 feet fall is the one of the beautiful fall of the state. Because of the roaring sound of the fall while falling it is known as Tiger fall. The PMU has formed a committee comprised of representatives from the adjoining villages of Tiger fall to operate and maintain created infrastructure for sustainable livelihood of community. 

Cluster-3: Hanol Cluster

There are three villages in Hanol cluster named Hanol, Chatra and Kathiyan. Hanol and Chatra sharing their boundaries with each other but Kathiyan villages is located 47 km away from the Hanol. A separate 32 km motorable road is diverted from Tyuni to reach Kathiyan at 1700 meter.  Kathiyan is known for apple growing village. Villages of Hanol cluster  are located at Tyuni-Mori road on the eastern bank of the River Tons at 1429 meter above sea level and  160 kms from Dehradun.

At village Hanol the temple is dedicated to Mahasu Devta. Lord Mahasu is the chief deity of this area and is worshiped in Mahasu Devta Temple by the people of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The temple village of Hanol is a sort of pilgrimage place for people living in vast areas in the mountainous parts of Uttrakhand, west of Yamuna River, The trans giri area of Sirmaur district and major part of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the ancient temple of Mahasu Devta built in the 9th century. The temple was constructed in Huna architectural style initially but, over the ages, acquired a mixed style. Architecturally Mahasu Devta Temple at Hanol is one of the rarest examples of perfect and harmonious blend of stone and wooden structure to form one composite grand edifice. The sanctum proper is a pure stone shikhara in classical naga style. The whole wooden structure is covered with a high pitched slated pent roof surmounted by a two-tiered conical canopy over it on which a gracefully tapered kalash pinnacle stands. The roof ends and the projection of balcony are ornamented with danging fringes a pendent corner bells which sway with the slightest movement of breeze. It is included in the Archaeological Survey of India list of ancient temple in Dehradun circle, Uttarakhand. PMU has created infrastructure to improve facilities for visitors at Hanol village which is proposed to be maintained by Temple Committee.

Cluster-4: Nagthat Cluster

Village Nagthat is just 15 km away from well known hill destination Chakrata. The height of the village is about 1900 meter from sea level and weather remains cold to pleasant throughout year. The village also receives snow fall during the winter. Located at the hill top, village offer majestic view of Himalayan ranges. Currently there is no tourism related infrastructure in the village. Visitors mostly stay at Chakrata or Purodi known as New Chakrata.