Rabindra Sarovar in Kolkata

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Rabindra Sarovar in Kolkata is regarded to be the very 'lungs' of the city. It is a man made lake which was initially called the Dhakuria Lake. The huge lake of 76 hectors is bounded by the posh Southern Avenue in the north, Russa road to the west, Dhakuria to the east and Kolkata Suburban Railway tracks to the south. The lake is located amidst the busting city life and offers a perfect picnic spot to families during holidays and a right relaxing space for bruised urban minds.

The peripheral areas of the lake consists of parks for children, gardens for nature lovers, green walk a way for aged people. There is also a small artificial island to the south of the lake that enhances the beauty of the lake to a great extent. One can walk through a wooden bridge in order to reach the island.

The lake was built by the Calcutta Improvement Trust, which during 1920's undertook the task of developing the acquired plot of land of around 192 acres of marshy jungles for residential and recreational purposes. The named of the lake, which was originally known as the Dhakuria Lake was renamed by the CIT as Rabindra Sarovar paying tribute to the great Bengali Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in May 1958.

The sarovar breeds many types of fish even though fishing is strictly prohibited. The green patch surrounding the lake consists of trees that are as old as 100 years. The place is also frequented by migratory birds and other Russian birds whose population is day by day degreasing due to pollution. The lake area also houses the Rowing Club, the Swimming Club and Children's Park.

The following are the nearest landmarks adjacent to the lake.

• Rabindra Sarovar Stadium is located to the north of the lake and has the seating capacity of around 26,000 people. The stadium was established in 1956 and is Kolkata's first stadium with facility of audio visual training.
• Mukhta Mancha, an open air theatre is located to the north of the lake.
• The city's only Japanese Buddhist temple is located to the south of the lake.
• A very old mosque which was built even before the excavation of the lake is situated on one of the islands of the sarovar.
• To the west bank of the lake there are some historical ruins in the form of cannons that are believed to be in use during the reign of the last independent ruler of Bengal, Siraj-ud-daula.
• The short walk from the lake will take you to Ramkrishna Mission at Golpark.

The natural environment surrounding the lake has deteoriated to a great extent due to pollution. The lake is commonly used as a bathing ghat which has led to the erosion of the banks especially the eastern bank. The government is now taking steps for the renovation of the lake. 4 crores of rupees have been invested for the first phase of renovation of the lake by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. More funds are to be allotted for the redevelopment of Rabindra Sarovar in Kolkata very soon.