Lake Gardens

Why did Lake Gardens almost fail to attract residents? Well, let me tell you a tale of jackals, dirt tracks, and a determined community. Lake Gardens, back in the 1950s, was a far cry from the desirable neighborhood it is today. Imagine knee-deep water during monsoons, overflowing drains, and jackals roaming freely. Not exactly an ideal setting for a new home. Lake Gardens, originally called Lake Colony due to its proximity to the newly excavated Rabindra Sarobar lake, began as a 176-acre forested area used as a vehicle depot for American soldiers. After the British decided to develop the area for residential use, Calcutta Properties and later industrialist Magneeram Bangur began selling plots. However, the initial conditions made it difficult to attract buyers. The Lake Gardens People’s Association, formed in 1956, played a pivotal role in transforming the area. This association, comprised of determined residents, took it upon themselves to improve their community. They even petitioned to change the name from Lake Colony to Lake Gardens, modeling it after other well-regarded areas like Mandeville Gardens and Ballygunj Gardens. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation officially changed the name in 1970. But the association’s work didn’t stop at the name change. Lake Gardens lacked essential amenities like a bank and a post office. The nearest bank was a considerable distance away, and the Sealdah-Budge Budge local train didn’t even stop nearby. The association, led by resident and writer Pramathanath Bishi, lobbied for improvements. Their persistence led to the establishment of both Lake Gardens and Tollygunge train stations on the same day. They also secured a branch of the United Bank of India, the first bank in the area. The notorious Lake Gardens railway level crossing, with its frequent and lengthy closures, also became a target of the association’s activism. Through the 1980s and 90s, they tirelessly collected signatures and submitted petitions to the Eastern Railways, eventually catching the attention of PWD minister Jatin Chakraborty. This persistence culminated in the construction of the Lake Gardens flyover in 2004. Lake Gardens’ transformation from a neglected area to a thriving neighborhood is a testament to the dedication of its residents. So, as you stroll through its pleasant streets today, remember the jackals, the dirt tracks, and the unwavering community that shaped Lake Gardens into the gem it is now.