BREAKING NEWS
The attempt to convert Babadem, once a vital freshwater lagoon in Srinagar,into a system sustained by sewage-treated water was envisioned as an eco-restoration step. However, this shift has failed to yield the intended environmental improvements. Instead of reviving the water body, the use of treated sewage water has led to further degradation of its ecological health
Baba Demb, also known as Brari Nambal, is a small freshwater lake or lagoon situated in the heart of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in the downtown area of Shehr-e-Khas near Khanyar. This water body, which historically connected Dal Lake to the Jhelum River through a channel, in the north to the now-filled Nallah Mar canal, and in the east to the outfall channel of Dal lake, holds a central position marked by the towering Babul Iqbal gate, built by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation in 2018.It had also outfall in the north via Eid gah connected it with Khushalsar and Gill Sar which has fallen pray to the encroachment. For over 500 years, since the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin in the 15th century, Baba Demb served as a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of people and goods while managing floodwaters, supplying water to the city, and supporting agriculture in areas like Achan, Eidgah, Chandihar and vicinity areas, earning Srinagar its moniker "Venice of the East" from Western travelers who marveled at its intricate waterways. The lagoon’s cultural significance was further enriched by landmarks like the 700-year-old Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple nearby. However, Baba Demb has fallen into a state of disrepair due to rampant encroachment, with illegal constructions, closure of Nallah Mar, decreased discharge from Dal, loss of fresh waters, survival of semi treated and treated Sewage Treatment Plants and landfilling shrinking its size as kiosks, shops, and tin sheds-turned permanent structures crowd its south and south west waterfront. Pollution has turned it into a stagnant cesspool/gutter exacerbated by garbage dumping, sewage inflow, and the choking growth of weeds, worsened by the closure of the Nallah Mar canal in the 1970s, a repulsive proposal of Srinagar Master Plan 1971-91. Urban neglect and the conversion of the surrounding area into a commercial hub for pawn shops, workshops, furniture outlets and scrap dealers have compounded its ecological and aesthetic degeneration.
Past Efforts for Regeneration
Efforts to revive Baba Demb have been made, though with mixed success. Two sewage treatment plants (STPs) are operational—one managed by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department discharging treated water into the Jhelum near Habba Kadal, and another by the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority releasing treated water into the lagoon within permissible limits. The Srinagar Smart City Limited has proposed ambitious plans, including a 4.5 million liters per day STP, a garland conduit to treat sewage, desilting, and the creation of boardwalks, cycle tracks, and ecological gardens. Conservation projects under central sponsored schemes were launched for revival efforts like dredging and beautification but has not yielded much results.The Lake Conservation and Management Authority and SMC have also conducted anti-encroachment drives to dismantle illegal structures, while the Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple, damaged in the 2014 floods, saw renovation begin in 2023 with Rs 1.60 crore. Despite these steps, the lagoon is still stinking and no significant tangible progress has been made. The treated/semi treated water rom STPs has virtually converted a fresh water body and has not been able to stop its environment degradation.
Master plan Directives
Master 1971-1991 and 2000-21 have more or less remained silent and have not spelt out any strategy to safeguard the Baba Demb lagoon. The Srinagar Master Plan 2035, though primarily focused on broader urban development and iconic water bodies like Dal Lake, indirectly influences Baba Demb’s revival through its emphasis on sustainable water body management. While specific proposals for Baba Demb are not extensively detailed in the public domain, the plan’s approach to water bodies includes revisiting settlement patterns, controlling encroachments, and enhancing ecological health—principles that extend to Baba Demb. It identifies the need to address policy failures, such as the filling of the Nallah Mar canal in the 1970s, which severed Baba Demb’s natural outflow and turned it into a stagnant pool. The master plan advocates for scientific assessments and real-time monitoring to curb encroachments and pollution, suggesting that Baba Demb’s restoration could involve dredging, reconnecting it to Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, and regulating surrounding land use to prevent further degradation. It has failed to provide for the conservation and development of the lagoon as heart of the city for improving the image of the core city ad tourist foot print.
Lakes Conservation and Management Focus
The Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA) is focused on conserving water bodies in the region, with specific recommendations for Baba Demb. Established in 1997, JKLCMA emphasizes water quality monitoring, pollution control, and sustainable urban integration. For Baba Demb, there are operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) to manage wastewater. One is run by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) near Habba Kadal, while another, managed by JKLCMA, discharges treated water within safe limits. Srinagar Smart City Limited plans to construct a 4. 5 million liters per day STP and other features to enhance the area's ecology. Upgrading to a 28 MLD STP using advanced technology is recommended to improve water quality significantly.The JKLCMA's anti-encroachment drives aim to remove illegal structures, but locals report slow progress. The 2021 action plan allocated funds for key measures such as desilting and embankment strengthening. Recommendations for Baba Demb also include community engagement in conservation efforts, restoring natural areas, and reviving traditional water transport to boost tourism, leveraging its historical significance. A dedicated task force is suggested for coordinated efforts. Overall, the goal is to revitalize Baba Demb through ecological restoration and sustainable practices while overcoming challenges in implementation.
Need to Revitalize it as “JEWEL” of Srinagar
To revitalize Baba Demb into a jewel of Srinagar, a comprehensive approach is needed. Ecologically, it is important to desilt and clean the lagoon of weeds, garbage, and silt to improve water flow and quality. This would reconnect it with Dal Lake and the Jhelum River. Upgrading sewage treatment plants, possibly with a 28 MLD Membrane Bio-Reactor, could produce reusable water. Adding floating wetlands could naturally filter pollutants. For urban planning, strict anti-encroachment actions with ongoing monitoring are necessary, alongside acquiring about 500 kanals of land to restore original boundaries. To enhance tourism and aesthetics, developing waterfront areas with boardwalks, cycle paths, and greenery is essential. Reviving water transport using small boats to Dal Lake and integrating cultural sites, like temples with informational centers, could attract more visitors. Local community involvement is vital, with incentives for sustainable practices and educational campaigns highlighting the lagoon's heritage value. A dedicated task force under JKLCMA or a new organization should manage this in the long term, supported by consistent funding and modern technologies like aeration fountains.
Baba Demb, a lagoon in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, has been historically important, linking Dal Lake and the Jhelum River through the now-filled Nallah Mar canal. It was once a vibrant transportation hub over 500 years ago during Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin's reign, but now faces serious degradation from pollution and neglect, requiring various restoration proposals. The first step is to Restore Baba Demb’s ecological health. Desilting and de-weeding would revitalize its water flow and reconnect it to Dal Lake, while upgrading sewage infrastructure would transform it into a clean lake. Floating wetlands can naturally filter pollutants. To make the area inviting again, it is crucial to enforce anti-encroachment measures and reclaim around 500 kanals of land. The reclaimed area could host boardwalks, cycle tracks, and gardens. Features influenced by Kashmiri culture could enhance its beauty. Additionally, reviving its historical role with small shikaras for tours between Baba Demb and Dal Lake would attract visitors and create a lively marketplace for local artisans and food stalls offering authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Baba Demb holds potential as an essential part of the city's waterways, restoring its historical function and aiding urban connectivity and tourism. Reconnecting it to Dal Lake and the Jhelum via dredged channels and introducing shikaras could improve moment and reduce road congestion. Enhanced ecological measures and aesthetic improvements would integrate Baba Demb further into Srinagar’s urban landscape.By reintegrating it into the inland waterways system, Srinagar could reclaim its historical identity, boost tourism, and create a functional lifeline through the city. Cultural enrichment is essential to develop Baba Demb as a destination. The nearby 700-year-old Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple is under renovation and could anchor a heritage zone. An interpretive center with exhibits on the history of Srinagar’s waterways, local shrines, and the significance of Baba Demb would educate tourists and foster connection. Seasonal events like floating markets, music festivals featuring Sufi qawwalis, and light-and-sound shows on the water can draw crowds year-round. The lagoon could host open-air performances showcasing Kashmiri folk dances, turning it into a cultural hub.
Conversion from Freshwater to Sewage Treated Water Basin
The attempt to convert Babadem, once a vital freshwater lagoon in Srinagar,into a system sustained by sewage-treated water was envisioned as an eco-restoration step. However, this shift has failed to yield the intended environmental improvements. Instead of reviving the water body, the use of treated sewage water has led to further degradation of its ecological health. Babademb, historically linked to the Dal Lake system, once supported a rich aquatic ecosystem. With growing urban pressures, however, freshwater inflows were curtailed, and the lagoon was isolated and fed with treated effluents from nearby sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately, treated water, despite meeting certain regulatory standards, still contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients promote excessive algal growth, and aquatic weeds, leading to eutrophication. The water turns green, oxygen levels fall, and aquatic life suffers. Moreover, the stagnant nature of the treated inflow, lacking the natural circulation and flushing of freshwater systems, has resulted in foul smells, mosquito breeding, and accumulation of sludge on the lagoon bed. Biodiversity has declined, and the lagoon no longer serves as a thriving habitat for birds and fish. In addition, continuous waste dumping, encroachments, and absence of regular monitoring have further worsened the condition. The idea of using treated sewage water to simulate natural wetland functioning requires careful design, ecosystem understanding, and public involvement—all of which seem to be missing in this case. A one-dimensional solution has been applied to a multi-dimensional problem. To truly restore Babademb, there is an urgent need for reintroducing periodic freshwater flows, improving sewage treatment standards, curbing pollution sources, and involving the local community in conservation efforts. Without a holistic and science-driven approach, the lagoon will continue to decline, and a vital part of Srinagar’s ecological heritage may be lost forever. The management and introduction of lagoon waters is vital for improving its ecological health and tourism potential. Baba Demb's water quality could rekindle ecological roles, stabilizing the surrounding microclimate and reinforcing Srinagar's waterway network. However, proper execution is crucial, as underperforming STPs could carry residual pollutants, triggering eutrophication and oxygen depletion. The volume of STP water also matters, as even a modest influx could flush out stagnant zones and prevent stratification that fosters anaerobic conditions. Without restoring inflow of fresh waters and outflow of excess water treated or not, might overwhelm the lagoon, and dilute the efforts to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Developing Baba Demb as Throbbing Tourist Spot
For Baba Demb’s revival as a throbbing tourist area, STP water quality directly influences its aesthetic and practical viability. Crystal-clear water, free of odor and debris, would complement planned boardwalks, cycle tracks, and shikara docks, making the lagoon inviting for visitors. However, any perception of persistent pollution from poorly treated STP discharges could easily deter tourists, undermining all efforts of beautification. Pairing STP outputs with natural filtration systems, like floating wetlands, could polish the water further, enhance its appeal while supporting biodiversity, a dual win for tourism and ecology.
Bottom Line
There is an urgent need to revive the lagoon and make it a vital element core city and tourism. It has potential to prove a game-changer for the tourist image and transforming the economy of the surrounding areas of old city by opening a window for harnessing heritage tourism. It would facilitate Baba Demb’s revival, by cleansing its polluted state, reviving its ecosystem, flow of fresh water form Dal and enabling its transformation into a tourist-friendly urban jewel. The effluents from STPs no doubt have been able to pump water into it but it has miserably failed to restore water clarity, support aquatic life, and facilitate recreational use, aligning with its historical significance, aspirations and modern conservation principles. The impact of inconsistent STP performance is also affecting its regeneration to restore its past glory. In conservation of lagoon, treated water alone won’t suffice to present state of pollution and stagnation. It would require strategic policy directive along with robust implementation to take it out of shackles of neglect and infuse vibrancy and life as a flowing heart of Srinagar enabling the lagoon to pulsate with ecological vitality and tourist energy.
Email:--------------------------hamwani24@gmail.com
The attempt to convert Babadem, once a vital freshwater lagoon in Srinagar,into a system sustained by sewage-treated water was envisioned as an eco-restoration step. However, this shift has failed to yield the intended environmental improvements. Instead of reviving the water body, the use of treated sewage water has led to further degradation of its ecological health
Baba Demb, also known as Brari Nambal, is a small freshwater lake or lagoon situated in the heart of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in the downtown area of Shehr-e-Khas near Khanyar. This water body, which historically connected Dal Lake to the Jhelum River through a channel, in the north to the now-filled Nallah Mar canal, and in the east to the outfall channel of Dal lake, holds a central position marked by the towering Babul Iqbal gate, built by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation in 2018.It had also outfall in the north via Eid gah connected it with Khushalsar and Gill Sar which has fallen pray to the encroachment. For over 500 years, since the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin in the 15th century, Baba Demb served as a vital transportation hub, facilitating the movement of people and goods while managing floodwaters, supplying water to the city, and supporting agriculture in areas like Achan, Eidgah, Chandihar and vicinity areas, earning Srinagar its moniker "Venice of the East" from Western travelers who marveled at its intricate waterways. The lagoon’s cultural significance was further enriched by landmarks like the 700-year-old Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple nearby. However, Baba Demb has fallen into a state of disrepair due to rampant encroachment, with illegal constructions, closure of Nallah Mar, decreased discharge from Dal, loss of fresh waters, survival of semi treated and treated Sewage Treatment Plants and landfilling shrinking its size as kiosks, shops, and tin sheds-turned permanent structures crowd its south and south west waterfront. Pollution has turned it into a stagnant cesspool/gutter exacerbated by garbage dumping, sewage inflow, and the choking growth of weeds, worsened by the closure of the Nallah Mar canal in the 1970s, a repulsive proposal of Srinagar Master Plan 1971-91. Urban neglect and the conversion of the surrounding area into a commercial hub for pawn shops, workshops, furniture outlets and scrap dealers have compounded its ecological and aesthetic degeneration.
Past Efforts for Regeneration
Efforts to revive Baba Demb have been made, though with mixed success. Two sewage treatment plants (STPs) are operational—one managed by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department discharging treated water into the Jhelum near Habba Kadal, and another by the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority releasing treated water into the lagoon within permissible limits. The Srinagar Smart City Limited has proposed ambitious plans, including a 4.5 million liters per day STP, a garland conduit to treat sewage, desilting, and the creation of boardwalks, cycle tracks, and ecological gardens. Conservation projects under central sponsored schemes were launched for revival efforts like dredging and beautification but has not yielded much results.The Lake Conservation and Management Authority and SMC have also conducted anti-encroachment drives to dismantle illegal structures, while the Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple, damaged in the 2014 floods, saw renovation begin in 2023 with Rs 1.60 crore. Despite these steps, the lagoon is still stinking and no significant tangible progress has been made. The treated/semi treated water rom STPs has virtually converted a fresh water body and has not been able to stop its environment degradation.
Master plan Directives
Master 1971-1991 and 2000-21 have more or less remained silent and have not spelt out any strategy to safeguard the Baba Demb lagoon. The Srinagar Master Plan 2035, though primarily focused on broader urban development and iconic water bodies like Dal Lake, indirectly influences Baba Demb’s revival through its emphasis on sustainable water body management. While specific proposals for Baba Demb are not extensively detailed in the public domain, the plan’s approach to water bodies includes revisiting settlement patterns, controlling encroachments, and enhancing ecological health—principles that extend to Baba Demb. It identifies the need to address policy failures, such as the filling of the Nallah Mar canal in the 1970s, which severed Baba Demb’s natural outflow and turned it into a stagnant pool. The master plan advocates for scientific assessments and real-time monitoring to curb encroachments and pollution, suggesting that Baba Demb’s restoration could involve dredging, reconnecting it to Dal Lake and the Jhelum River, and regulating surrounding land use to prevent further degradation. It has failed to provide for the conservation and development of the lagoon as heart of the city for improving the image of the core city ad tourist foot print.
Lakes Conservation and Management Focus
The Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (JKLCMA) is focused on conserving water bodies in the region, with specific recommendations for Baba Demb. Established in 1997, JKLCMA emphasizes water quality monitoring, pollution control, and sustainable urban integration. For Baba Demb, there are operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) to manage wastewater. One is run by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) near Habba Kadal, while another, managed by JKLCMA, discharges treated water within safe limits. Srinagar Smart City Limited plans to construct a 4. 5 million liters per day STP and other features to enhance the area's ecology. Upgrading to a 28 MLD STP using advanced technology is recommended to improve water quality significantly.The JKLCMA's anti-encroachment drives aim to remove illegal structures, but locals report slow progress. The 2021 action plan allocated funds for key measures such as desilting and embankment strengthening. Recommendations for Baba Demb also include community engagement in conservation efforts, restoring natural areas, and reviving traditional water transport to boost tourism, leveraging its historical significance. A dedicated task force is suggested for coordinated efforts. Overall, the goal is to revitalize Baba Demb through ecological restoration and sustainable practices while overcoming challenges in implementation.
Need to Revitalize it as “JEWEL” of Srinagar
To revitalize Baba Demb into a jewel of Srinagar, a comprehensive approach is needed. Ecologically, it is important to desilt and clean the lagoon of weeds, garbage, and silt to improve water flow and quality. This would reconnect it with Dal Lake and the Jhelum River. Upgrading sewage treatment plants, possibly with a 28 MLD Membrane Bio-Reactor, could produce reusable water. Adding floating wetlands could naturally filter pollutants. For urban planning, strict anti-encroachment actions with ongoing monitoring are necessary, alongside acquiring about 500 kanals of land to restore original boundaries. To enhance tourism and aesthetics, developing waterfront areas with boardwalks, cycle paths, and greenery is essential. Reviving water transport using small boats to Dal Lake and integrating cultural sites, like temples with informational centers, could attract more visitors. Local community involvement is vital, with incentives for sustainable practices and educational campaigns highlighting the lagoon's heritage value. A dedicated task force under JKLCMA or a new organization should manage this in the long term, supported by consistent funding and modern technologies like aeration fountains.
Baba Demb, a lagoon in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, has been historically important, linking Dal Lake and the Jhelum River through the now-filled Nallah Mar canal. It was once a vibrant transportation hub over 500 years ago during Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin's reign, but now faces serious degradation from pollution and neglect, requiring various restoration proposals. The first step is to Restore Baba Demb’s ecological health. Desilting and de-weeding would revitalize its water flow and reconnect it to Dal Lake, while upgrading sewage infrastructure would transform it into a clean lake. Floating wetlands can naturally filter pollutants. To make the area inviting again, it is crucial to enforce anti-encroachment measures and reclaim around 500 kanals of land. The reclaimed area could host boardwalks, cycle tracks, and gardens. Features influenced by Kashmiri culture could enhance its beauty. Additionally, reviving its historical role with small shikaras for tours between Baba Demb and Dal Lake would attract visitors and create a lively marketplace for local artisans and food stalls offering authentic Kashmiri cuisine. Baba Demb holds potential as an essential part of the city's waterways, restoring its historical function and aiding urban connectivity and tourism. Reconnecting it to Dal Lake and the Jhelum via dredged channels and introducing shikaras could improve moment and reduce road congestion. Enhanced ecological measures and aesthetic improvements would integrate Baba Demb further into Srinagar’s urban landscape.By reintegrating it into the inland waterways system, Srinagar could reclaim its historical identity, boost tourism, and create a functional lifeline through the city. Cultural enrichment is essential to develop Baba Demb as a destination. The nearby 700-year-old Mangleshwar Bhairav Temple is under renovation and could anchor a heritage zone. An interpretive center with exhibits on the history of Srinagar’s waterways, local shrines, and the significance of Baba Demb would educate tourists and foster connection. Seasonal events like floating markets, music festivals featuring Sufi qawwalis, and light-and-sound shows on the water can draw crowds year-round. The lagoon could host open-air performances showcasing Kashmiri folk dances, turning it into a cultural hub.
Conversion from Freshwater to Sewage Treated Water Basin
The attempt to convert Babadem, once a vital freshwater lagoon in Srinagar,into a system sustained by sewage-treated water was envisioned as an eco-restoration step. However, this shift has failed to yield the intended environmental improvements. Instead of reviving the water body, the use of treated sewage water has led to further degradation of its ecological health. Babademb, historically linked to the Dal Lake system, once supported a rich aquatic ecosystem. With growing urban pressures, however, freshwater inflows were curtailed, and the lagoon was isolated and fed with treated effluents from nearby sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately, treated water, despite meeting certain regulatory standards, still contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients promote excessive algal growth, and aquatic weeds, leading to eutrophication. The water turns green, oxygen levels fall, and aquatic life suffers. Moreover, the stagnant nature of the treated inflow, lacking the natural circulation and flushing of freshwater systems, has resulted in foul smells, mosquito breeding, and accumulation of sludge on the lagoon bed. Biodiversity has declined, and the lagoon no longer serves as a thriving habitat for birds and fish. In addition, continuous waste dumping, encroachments, and absence of regular monitoring have further worsened the condition. The idea of using treated sewage water to simulate natural wetland functioning requires careful design, ecosystem understanding, and public involvement—all of which seem to be missing in this case. A one-dimensional solution has been applied to a multi-dimensional problem. To truly restore Babademb, there is an urgent need for reintroducing periodic freshwater flows, improving sewage treatment standards, curbing pollution sources, and involving the local community in conservation efforts. Without a holistic and science-driven approach, the lagoon will continue to decline, and a vital part of Srinagar’s ecological heritage may be lost forever. The management and introduction of lagoon waters is vital for improving its ecological health and tourism potential. Baba Demb's water quality could rekindle ecological roles, stabilizing the surrounding microclimate and reinforcing Srinagar's waterway network. However, proper execution is crucial, as underperforming STPs could carry residual pollutants, triggering eutrophication and oxygen depletion. The volume of STP water also matters, as even a modest influx could flush out stagnant zones and prevent stratification that fosters anaerobic conditions. Without restoring inflow of fresh waters and outflow of excess water treated or not, might overwhelm the lagoon, and dilute the efforts to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Developing Baba Demb as Throbbing Tourist Spot
For Baba Demb’s revival as a throbbing tourist area, STP water quality directly influences its aesthetic and practical viability. Crystal-clear water, free of odor and debris, would complement planned boardwalks, cycle tracks, and shikara docks, making the lagoon inviting for visitors. However, any perception of persistent pollution from poorly treated STP discharges could easily deter tourists, undermining all efforts of beautification. Pairing STP outputs with natural filtration systems, like floating wetlands, could polish the water further, enhance its appeal while supporting biodiversity, a dual win for tourism and ecology.
Bottom Line
There is an urgent need to revive the lagoon and make it a vital element core city and tourism. It has potential to prove a game-changer for the tourist image and transforming the economy of the surrounding areas of old city by opening a window for harnessing heritage tourism. It would facilitate Baba Demb’s revival, by cleansing its polluted state, reviving its ecosystem, flow of fresh water form Dal and enabling its transformation into a tourist-friendly urban jewel. The effluents from STPs no doubt have been able to pump water into it but it has miserably failed to restore water clarity, support aquatic life, and facilitate recreational use, aligning with its historical significance, aspirations and modern conservation principles. The impact of inconsistent STP performance is also affecting its regeneration to restore its past glory. In conservation of lagoon, treated water alone won’t suffice to present state of pollution and stagnation. It would require strategic policy directive along with robust implementation to take it out of shackles of neglect and infuse vibrancy and life as a flowing heart of Srinagar enabling the lagoon to pulsate with ecological vitality and tourist energy.
Email:--------------------------hamwani24@gmail.com
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