Dutch National Cleans Dal Lake Daily
The cleanup efforts of Dal Lake and the struggle to address the waste management crisis in Srinagar are a stark reminder of the need for collective accountability and a deeper shift in habits to protect the environment, with individuals like Ellis Hubertina and climate activists playing a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for change.
Ellis Hubertina, a 69-year-old Dutch national, has been dedicating her time to cleaning Dal Lake in Kashmir for the past five years, using a boat to collect plastic waste and raise awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility.
Ellis's efforts are driven by her concern for the environment and her desire to create awareness among locals and tourists about the need to properly dispose of waste. She believes that careless disposal is a major problem contributing to plastic waste in Dal Lake and hopes to inspire others to join her in her mission. Despite lacking institutional support, funding, or fanfare, Ellis remains committed to her cause, collecting kilograms of plastic waste daily and serving as a testament to individual agency in the face of environmental neglect.
The issue of waste management is not limited to Dal Lake, as the city of Srinagar is facing a severe crisis, with the Achan Saidapora garbage dumping site emitting a terrible stench that affects thousands of residents. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to clear 11.50 lakh metric tons of legacy waste from the site within two years, but the recent transfer of the SMC Commissioner has raised questions about the government's commitment to addressing the issue.
Ellis's story highlights the importance of taking responsibility for environmental issues and serves as a reminder that meaningful change can come from small, quiet actions. As the case is listed for hearing again on July 18, 2025, it remains to be seen whether the government will take the necessary steps to address the waste management crisis and clear the legacy waste from the Achan Saidapora site.