Building a step well near the Jhelum River can be a great idea for providing access to water for locals and tourists alike. Here are my recommendations for building a step well and creating a tourist site:

1. Conduct a Feasibility Study: Before building a step well, it is important to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of the project. This study should include an assessment of the water availability, the soil quality, and the local environmental impact.
2. Determine the Location: Choose a location for the step well that is easily accessible and has a scenic view of the Jhelum River. The site should be easily accessible for tourists and locals, and there should be adequate parking available.
3. Design the Step Well: The design of the step well should be based on the local architectural style and should be aesthetically pleasing. It should also be functional and safe for people to access the water.
4. Promote Water Conservation: Since water is a precious resource, it is important to promote water conservation. This can be done by providing information about the importance of water conservation, using water-efficient fixtures, and promoting the use of reusable water bottles.
5. Create Tourist Facilities: To create a tourist site, you should provide facilities such as restrooms, food stalls, and seating areas. You can also add additional entertainment options such as music and cultural events during the summer months.
6. Ensure Safety: Safety should be a top priority, so make sure the site is safe for visitors. This includes proper lighting, non-slip surfaces, and railings to prevent accidents.
7. Maintain the Site: Regular maintenance is important to keep the site clean and safe for visitors. This includes cleaning the step well, trash removal, and repairing any damaged facilities.

Overall, a step well near the Jhelum River can be a great tourist site during the summer months. By following these recommendations, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing site that provides access to water while promoting water conservation and ensuring the safety of visitors.

In addition to the guidelines I provided earlier, here are some additional considerations when building a step well or pool:

1. Environmental Impact: The construction of a step well or pool can have an impact on the environment, so it’s important to take steps to minimize this impact. This can include using sustainable building materials and implementing eco-friendly practices.
2. Accessibility: The step well or pool should be accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. This can include adding ramps and other accessibility features.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: If the site has cultural or historical significance, it’s important to respect and preserve this heritage. This can include working with local cultural institutions and incorporating educational signage to inform visitors about the site’s history.

Here are 20 step wells or pools from around the world, along with their names, locations, websites, YouTube channels, and countries:

1. Ad Deir Pool, Petra, Jordan (https://www.visitjordan.gov.jo/)
2. The Baoli Step Well, New Delhi, India (https://www.delhitourism.gov.in/)
3. Tojikalon Pool, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (http://www.tajikistanembassy.org.uk/)
4. Chand Baori Step Well, Abhaneri, India (https://rajasthantourism.gov.in/)
5. Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, USA (https://www.nps.gov/yell/)
6. La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica (https://www.visitcostarica.com/)
7. Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman (https://www.omantourism.gov.om/)
8. Elora Gorge, Ontario, Canada (https://www.ontarioparks.com/)
9. Semuc Champey Pools, Lanquin, Guatemala (https://www.visitguatemala.com/)
10. Badab-e Surt Terraces, Mazandaran, Iran (https://en.hamshahrionline.ir/)
11. Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland (https://www.visiticeland.com/)
12. Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco (https://www.visitmorocco.com/)
13. Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland (https://www.bluelagoon.com/)
14. Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia (https://www.zambiatourism.com/)
15. Giola Natural Pool, Thassos, Greece (https://www.visitgreece.gr/)
16. Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca, Mexico (https://www.visitmexico.com/)
17. Lumsdale Falls and Pools, Derbyshire, UK (https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/)
18. Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, USA (https://www.nps.gov/grca/)
19. The Lost City of Petra, Jordan (https://www.visitjordan.gov.jo/)
20. The Blue Hole, Dahab, Egypt (https://www.egypt.travel/)

Salt does not play a role in preventing drowning in a swimming pool. Instead, the use of appropriate safety measures such as pool fences, pool covers, and supervision are important to prevent drowning incidents.

However, if you are asking about the recommended amount of salt for a saltwater pool, the required amount will depend on the specific type and model of the saltwater chlorinator being used.

As a general guideline, the recommended salinity level for most saltwater pools is between 2,500 to 4,000 parts per million (ppm). To achieve this level, it typically requires adding between 50 to 80 pounds of pool-grade salt per 1,000 gallons of water.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific saltwater chlorinator and to test and adjust the salt levels in the pool regularly using a saltwater test kit.

The Dead Sea is a unique body of water with very high levels of salt, minerals, and other natural compounds. It is not possible to recreate the exact same characteristics of the Dead Sea in an artificial pool. However, it is possible to create a saltwater pool with similar properties using a combination of salt and minerals.

Here are the steps to create a saltwater pool with similar characteristics to the Dead Sea:

1. Start by selecting a suitable location for the pool. The pool should be located in an area with plenty of sunlight and minimal shade.
2. Install a pool filtration system that is designed for saltwater pools. This will help to keep the pool water clean and clear.
3. Fill the pool with water and add a high concentration of pool-grade salt. The recommended salinity level for a saltwater pool is between 2,500 to 4,000 parts per million (ppm), but you can adjust the salinity level to your desired level.
4. Add minerals to the pool water to replicate the mineral content found in the Dead Sea. Some minerals that can be added to the pool water include magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride.
5. Use a pool test kit to regularly check and maintain the pH and chlorine levels in the pool water.
6. Enjoy the benefits of swimming in a saltwater pool with similar properties to the Dead Sea, including the buoyancy and therapeutic effects of the mineral-rich water.

Hanging gardens are a beautiful and unique way to add greenery and natural beauty to any space. Here are some general steps to create your own hanging garden:

1. Select a suitable location: Hanging gardens can be created in a variety of spaces, such as balconies, patios, or even indoors. Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight and is accessible for watering and maintenance.
2. Choose your plants: Hanging gardens can be created using a variety of plants, such as flowers, herbs, and succulents. Choose plants that are suited to the amount of sunlight and the climate in your area.
3. Select your containers: Choose containers that are suitable for hanging, such as wire baskets, pots with hangers, or wooden crates with hooks. Make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
4. Prepare the soil: Use a well-draining potting mix to fill the containers, leaving enough space for the plants to grow.
5. Plant your garden: Plant the selected plants in the containers, making sure to leave enough space for them to grow. You can also add decorative elements like rocks or other ornaments to enhance the visual appeal.
6. Water and fertilize regularly: Hanging gardens require regular watering and fertilization to keep the plants healthy and vibrant. Make sure to follow the watering and fertilization instructions for each plant.
7. Hang your garden: Once your hanging garden is ready, hang the containers in the desired location, making sure that they are secure and properly balanced.

With these steps, you can create your own beautiful hanging garden to enjoy in any space.

1. Bougainvillea: This tropical flowering plant thrives in full sun and warm temperatures, making it a great choice for Jhelum’s climate.
2. Hibiscus: Another tropical flowering plant, hibiscus thrives in hot and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil and partial to full sun.
3. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a succulent that requires minimal care and is well-suited to the warm and dry climate of Jhelum. It grows well in well-draining soil and full sun.
4. Mint: This herb grows well in the warm climate of Jhelum and prefers partial shade. It requires moist soil and regular watering.
5. Coriander: This herb grows well in the mild winters and hot summers of Jhelum. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
6. Marigold: This hardy annual flower thrives in the warm climate of Jhelum and requires full sun and well-draining soil.
7. Petunia: Another annual flowering plant that thrives in the warm climate of Jhelum. It requires well-draining soil and partial to full sun.

Other plants that can thrive in Jhelum’s climate include geraniums, portulaca, zinnias, and roses. When choosing plants for your hanging garden, make sure to consider their light, water, and soil requirements to ensure they will thrive in your specific location.

The flowers that can be grown and the season for planting them can vary depending on the climate and region where you live. However, here are some common flowers that can be grown in different seasons:

1. Spring: Spring is a great time to plant a variety of flowers such as tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinth, pansies, snapdragons, and sweet peas.
2. Summer: Summer is the season of warm temperatures, and it is perfect for planting flowers such as marigolds, petunias, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, impatiens, and geraniums.
3. Fall: Fall is a great time for planting flowers such as chrysanthemums, asters, pansies, and violas.
4. Winter: In some regions, you can plant winter flowers such as cyclamen, pansies, hellebores, and winter jasmine.

It’s important to note that the planting season may vary based on the climate and region. So it is best to consult with your local nursery or gardening expert to determine the best time to plant flowers in your specific area. Additionally, you can also choose to plant perennial flowers that will come back year after year, or annual flowers that will bloom for one season only.

By: Mohammad Ifrahim Butt, Jhelum, Pakistan.