April 25, 2024

Saving Rabindra Sarobar

 Rabindra Sarobar, also known as Dhakuria Lake, or simply The Lake, is one of the most pleasant of all public spaces in Kolkata.




But today, The Lakes are in a terrible shape because the water-level has been falling precipitously because (a) The construction of the Metro Rail had blocked a channel through which water from the Adi Ganga used to enter The Lakes (b) Rainfall has been low for the past couple of years and (c) Falling water table because of extensive withdrawal of ground water.

One way to fix this problem is to build a pipeline and a pumphouse to carry Adi Ganga water and this is not very difficult at at all. The map below shows the shortest path -- approximately 900 m --  along which the pipeline can be laid, without trespassing on any private property, but only following the Eastern Railway lines.



This idea along with this map has been repeatedly shared with KMDA, the public body responsible for the maintenance of The Lake but has elicited no response. Looks like we are staring at another tragedy in South Calcutta

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