The Lake, or Rabindra Sarobar, with its four islands and the lush green surroundings, which is home to a wide range of biodiversity, was non-existent till a century ago.
The area in Dhakuria was a marshland, from where Calcutta Improvement Trust (later, Kolkata Improvement Trust, which recently merged with KMDA) excavated soil to fill tracts of land, where Jodhpur Park now stands. The cavernous pit that was formed by the excavation turned into a lake and was initially referred to as Dhaku ria Lake. It was renamed as Rabindra Sarobar in 1958 and was conferred the status of a national lake in 1997.
The entire Rabindra Sarobar covers around 192 acres, with the Lake spanning 73 acres. KMDA, custodian of Rabindra Sarobar, said the green zone had about 11,000 trees of 270 different varieties. The agency has recently taken up the project of de veloping a Miyawaki forest on a large patch of land. It is also working on landscaping, setting up of green zones with different species of trees, and exhibition of plants.
The biodiversity hot spot is a favourite among bird-watchers, nature enthusiasts and morning and evening walkers alike. Elderly people are often seen huddled in groups or alone on the benches, ch atting and enjoying the serenity of the lake. Eighty-year-old Somnath Mazumdar is a regular. “Some of us meet here almost every day. We love watching the birds and butterflies. The clean air and the cool breeze from the lake sooth our body and soul. ”
It’s a birders’ paradise. A variety of species, some of them rare, are spotted here. The list is pretty long, including sma ll niltava, Swinhoe’s minivet, ferruginous flycatcher, dark-sided flycatcher, India rubythroat, colourful Indian pitta, painted storks and chestnut winged cuckoo.
The Lake has four isl ands, three of which are located in the larger eastern section and one to the west. A mosque, which had existed since before the Lake was formed, is on one of the islands an d can be reached with the help of a hanging bridge. An iron plaque on the bridge shows it was built in 1926 by Burn and Co Ltd.
Historians pointed out that during the excavat ion of the Lake, cannons were found that were probably used in the battle between Siraj-uddaulah and Lord Clive in 1756. The cannons were built in England in the early 18th ce ntury. Currently, three of them are displayed on a concrete platform on the southern part of the Lake. Behind the cannons is the Durga Museum, named ‘Ma Phire Elo’.
The complex also houses four old clubs—Calcutta Rowing Club, Bengal Rowing Club, Lake Club and Anderson Club, now known as the Indian Life Saving Society. Nazrul Manch and Rabindra Sarobar Stadium are also located on the pr emises. Lake Club secretary Subrata Guha said, “The Lake is unique to the city, especially because of the large area it covers. Rowing and swimming, both pollution-free sports, are practised here. ” But the quality of the water in the Lake has been a reason for concern, especially since dead fish is sometimes found floating in the water body. In the scorch ing summer, the water level had also dipped to worrying levels. Honorary secretary of Calcutta Rowing Club, Chandan Roy Choudhury, said, “Dredging is important as it will improve the qua lity and quantity of the water at the Lake. It will also be beneficial for the flora and fauna. ” He also finds it alarming that the depth of the Lake is decreasing.
KMDA officials said they were taking measures to maintain the ecological balance of the water body. “ Fountains are being operated regularly to increase aeration in the water and maintain the d issolved oxygen level. Bathing in the Lake is prohibited,” an official said, adding they also looked after the premises by keeping the area clean, sweeping, and cutting the overgrowth of weeds and shrubs. Water ATMs have been installed. Bottle crusher machines have also been put up so that people don’t litter the green zone. Swapan Purkait, a regular morning walker and a rower, also pointed out that steps should be taken to make the premises safer, especially in the evening.
Performing any ritual, like Chhath Puja, has been prohibited to conserve the water body. E-toilets have also been set up to keep the premises clean. Environmentalists pointed out the conservation of the “lungs of Kolkata” was a necessity that could be achieved through nutrient remediation of the water body, aeration and hydro-raking that might prolong the lifespan of the water body.
Rabindra Sarobar, a harmonious blend of nature, history and urban life. From morning walks and yoga by the lake to rowing sessions and elders sharing tales in the afternoon shade, the community thrives around it. The hanging bridge and cannons add layers of history and design, while the Durga Museum graces the southern edge
