The recent news about the Mayor’s visit to Ambazari Lake and the proposal to deploy JCB machines once again to clean spread of Eichhornia is welcome in intent. However, the present condition of the lake bears a far more serious story. It was ‘The Hitavada’ for being among the first, nearly 2 years ago, to report the alarming spread of water hyacinth in Ambazari Lake, supported by photographs. What was reported then as a growing concern has today become a grave reality. Today, Ambazari Lake hardly looks like a lake. It appears like a vast green field stretching endlessly. In many areas, water is simply not visible.

 

The lake is almost completely covered with Eichhornia. The spread did not happen overnight. It was gradual and visible. Early, scientific and sustained action could have prevented this deterioration. Instead, earlier clean-up drives launched with fanfare hype by authorities with the use of heavy machines and specialised equipment, failed to provide lasting relief. Deploying JCBs again, without a comprehensive restoration plan,is merely hogwash and cosmetic. Considerable public money has already been spent sans any result.

 

A comprehensive plan to completely remove Eichhornia is required. For many of us who have walked in morning along Ambazari Lake for years, watching this decline has been deeply painful. The lake is not just a water body; it is part of the city’s identity and heritage structure. Concern must be now converted into concrete, measurable action. Ambazari Lake is disappearing in plain sight.