What if I told you that beneath the calm surface of Rabindra Sarobar lies a history deeper than its waters? This isn’t just a lake. Rabindra Sarobar is a story etched in time.
Once a marshy jungle in South Kolkata, Rabindra Sarobar was transformed in the early 1920s. The Calcutta Improvement Trust envisioned a residential area with lakes and parks. Excavation began. The initial name was Bompass Lake after Cecil Henry Bompass. Later in May 1958, it was renamed Rabindra Sarobar. This honored Rabindranath Tagore, the famous Bengali writer and Nobel laureate.
Imagine the scene. Laborers dug deep to create this vast water body. Around it, recreational spaces emerged. Children’s parks, gardens, and auditoria were built. Today, Rabindra Sarobar stands as a testament to recreational space.
Spanning 192 acres, Rabindra Sarobar is a blend of water and greenery. 73 acres are water. The rest is adorned with shrubs and trees. Some trees are over a century old. A tree census in 2012 counted 50 species.
In winter, migratory birds flock to Rabindra Sarobar. Though their numbers dwindle due to pollution, the lake remains a haven. Many fish species call it home. Fishing is strictly prohibited allowing the fish to thrive undisturbed. Mornings see people walking around Rabindra Sarobar. They enjoy the fresh air. Many visit the sunrise point to offer prayers. Families picnic here. Tourists explore. Young lovers stroll and joggers run.
Look closely at the landmarks that dot Rabindra Sarobar. The Dhakuria Lake Bridge has a plaque from 1927 commemorating its construction. It connects Sarat Bose Road to Lillipool. An abandoned waterhouse was transformed into the Durga Museum in 2012. It showcases award winning Durga idols and terracotta motifs. The museum is also known as Maa Phire Elo.
To the north, Rabindra Sarobar Stadium seats 26000. It was established in the 1950s and is equipped with audio visual training facilities. Mukta Mancha is an open air theatre. Nazrul Mancha sits near Golpark.
On the southern edge stands Kolkata’s only Japanese Buddhist temple. Nichidatsu Fujii founded it in 1935. Monks chant prayers in Japanese accompanied by drums. A pillar with a message of peace in Japanese stands outside. Lion dog figures called Komainu guard the faith.
A mosque sits on one of Rabindra Sarobar’s islands. It predates the lake’s excavation. A cable stayed bridge built in 1926 connects it to the shore. Cannons found during excavation lie on the west bank. They are believed to have been used by Nawab Siraj ud Daulah.
Rabindra Sarobar also features a safari garden, children’s play center, and a swimming pool. A toy train once delighted children. Rowing and swimming clubs thrive here. The Calcutta Rowing Club established in 1858 is one of India’s oldest.
Despite its beauty, Rabindra Sarobar faces challenges. Pollution rises with increased tourism. The Ministry of Environment included it in the National Lake Conservation Plan. Tree plantation programs are underway. Garbage dumping remains a major issue.
Rabindra Sarobar is accessible. It is 30 km from Dum Dum airport. It is 12 km from Howrah railway station. The Rabindra Sarobar metro station and Lake Gardens railway station provide access.
The lake supports biodiversity. Over 100 bird species have been recorded. The green cover boasts 11000 trees. Palash, African tulip, ashok, and shimul trees bloom in spring. A variety of fungi flourish during the monsoon.
So, as you stand here at Rabindra Sarobar remember its journey. From a marshy land to a vibrant ecosystem Rabindra Sarobar continues to evolve. It offers a green escape in the heart of Kolkata. Its story continues with each sunrise and sunset reflecting on its surface.