Once a swimming pool, now a dump, toilet, parking lot

The area around the Subhas Sarovar in ward number 33 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has always been a picture of neglect. The area, which used to boast of a swimming pool, a football ground and a fishing club, now lies in shambles. Environmentalists feel that the downslide began a few years ago, when the Kolkata Improvement Trust (KIT) decided to cement the banks of the lake. With the area in ruins, both KMC and the KIT are blaming each other for the mess.

The problem

No more does the area around the lake attract locals for a morning walk and children, too, give it a wide berth. Instead, it has been transformed into a garbage dump for the nearby slums. The northern side of the lake, especially, is littered with garbage thrown by nearby slum dwellers. The area is even used as an open-air toilet. The rest of the area was recently used by the Kolkata traffic police as a parking lot for the book fair held at the Salt Lake stadium. Usually, it is the ‘parking lot’ for Swabhumi and 89 cinemas. “Using it as a car park has driven away the few birds that used to visit the Sarovar during winter,” says environmentalist Mukuta Mukherjee.

The lack of maintenance has also ruined the swimming pool, which earlier had world-class facilities. Locals say the condition of the road is pathetic, with potholes.

The wishlist

Various local groups have put forth their ideas for the improvement of the area. While some local clubs want proper maintenance of the football and cricket grounds, others have sought permission to start a fishing club.

The residents want a separate jogger’s track, with more trees being planted on the sides.

“Hundreds of people bathe in the water and wash their clothes and utensils. This makes the water dirtier,” says a resident of a nearby apartment.

The lack of street lights in and around the lake also makes it perfect for anti-social elements.

Some people feel the lake should be handed over to private firms for maintenance .

The blame game

“Yes, the area needs to be developed. But neither the KMC nor the KIT has taken any initiative to develop the area as yet,” says Rajib Biswas of CPM, who is also the councillor of ward number 33.

He said that KMC has already banned bathing and immersion of idols in the lake and the use of plastic in the adjoining area.

“We have taken some initiatives to improve the place. Recently, we planted 3,500 to 4,000 saplings,” Biswas adds.