Once a clear water stream and the centre of Ludhiana’s social life, the Buddha Nullah’s pollution has affected the groundwater table, contaminated drinking water sources and more.
On one hand, strict High Court guidelines prohibit new registration of houseboats in Dal and Nigeen lakes in Srinagar. On the other, there are just three master craftsmen left, who can build these boats, the older ones among which are in decrepit state.
Buddha Nulla, formerly Buddha Dariya, symbolises Ludhiana’s decay; its water grows more polluted and contaminated with carcinogens as governments fail to curb dumping and spend crores in sporadic cleaning efforts.
The 192-acre Rabindra Sarobar is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of Kolkata and a favourite of many old timers in the southern part of the city. But reckless urbanisation and callous maintenance is taking its toll, leaving many regular visitors deeply distraught.