Gulab Sagar Lake is located about 6 kms from Jodhpur city center near Sardar Market in the old city area. Measuring 150 x 90 m in size, Gulab Sagar Lake is actually a water storage constructed in 1788 by Gulab Rai, the mistress of Maharaja Vijay Singh. The area used to be occupied by another water source called ‘Bawri’, which was then converted into Gulab Sagar.
Unfortunately, today this ‘Bawri’ is filthy and reflects a dark side of Jodhpur and Rajasthan’s perceived majestic beauty.
Courtesy Of Rohit Singh
Caron Rawnsley, an Irish national, was a visitor to Jodhpur before he got involved in cleaning the Gulab Sagar and nearby areas. But here’s the sad part – Caron is not part of an NGO or government initiative. He’s cleaning the place all by himself and at his own cost. The public and media have been touched by his efforts. But unfortunately, the government and the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation have shown the least amount of interest or support.
The 70-year-old retired teacher has also shown great concern for the Mahila Bag ka Jalra which is a step well that contains water from the lake. In his letter to Dr. Pritam B. Yashwant, the collector of Jodhpur, Rawnsley had this to say:
“The Jalra is an environmental and architectural monument that is both spectacular and significant to the Blue City. It’s up keep is again seriously in deficit and unless someone is appointed as its guardian I personally fear for its future.”
Courtesy Of Rohit Singh
It is really sad to see a visitor toil away alone in the hopes of restoring our heritage while we, the people, and our government seem to be neglecting structures that were once architectural marvels as well as our surrounding environment. It’s like a guest at home who takes it upon himself to sweep up the filth because it hurts his soul.
The 70-year-old retired teacher has also shown great concern for the Mahila Bag ka Jalra which is a step well that contains water from the lake. In his letter to Dr. Pritam B. Yashwant, the collector of Jodhpur, Rawnsley had this to say:
“The Jalra is an environmental and architectural monument that is both spectacular and significant to the Blue City. It’s up keep is again seriously in deficit and unless someone is appointed as its guardian I personally fear for its future.”
Rawnsley is a reminder that our country’s heritage is beautiful and it is up to us to preserve it for generations to come.
“The Gulab Sagar and near by water sources are dying water bodies and it is my wish to see an improvement in their maintenance, so for the foreseeable future they may prove to be great assets to this lovely city. I hope that under your kind tutelage this matter may be managed.”
Into that heaven of enlightenment, let our country awake.
By Souvik Ray
India Times
