Not for nothing is Bhopal called the city of lakes. The variuos lakes located throughout the city not only provide it sustenance but also comfort during the fierce summer season. I do not know much about its history, but I do know this much that but for the magnificient lakes, Bhopal would have been a barren peice of land. The rulers of Bhopal were far sighted and realized the imprtance of water concervation. Alas, this spirit is fast being eroded by the current generation of rulers, er leaders! In the name of development, malls, shopping complexes, multiplexes, business districts are being planned and the precious heritage of Bhopal viz, its lakes and the abundant vegetation are being destroyed by the builder-politician nexus. Just imagine, in order to facilitate "smooth and rapid" traffic movement in and around Bhopal, a flyover across the beautiful Upper lake or the "Badi Jheel" is being planned. Also, the lush foliage around the Char imli region is going to be chopped down to make way for a business district comprising of Malls, shopping complexes and multiplexes etc. Must development be pursued at any cost? I invite readers to post comments on this line of arguement - Should the heritage of Bhopal i.e. its akes and foliage be held ransom to development? Cant development be planned in such a way that a city's heritage be preserved?
Dear readers, this post is an obituary cum photo blog to my adopted city - The city of lakes, Bhopal, as the way I see it, if politicians have their way, then we might as well bid adieu to the lakes of Bhopal.



Above and all snaps below are of the Badi Jheel, which may soon vanish, if the planned flyover it takes shape.



Above is the snap of a Dargah situated in between the lake. As you can see, boats go up to the Dargah, pay their homage and come back to the jetty.













Above is the photograph of the jetty lighted up at night. The string of lights seen in the background are of the VIP road that rings around the Upper lake or Badi jheel.

It pains me no end to hear of the ambitious plans being made to turn Bhopal into a "modern" city with all facilities. Once again I ask, why cant we have all the malls etc preserving these lakes and vegetation?