Brari Nambal: Srinagar’s forgotten lagoon losing its pristine past

Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Apr 02: In the heart of Srinagar, tucked quietly behind bustling neighborhoods and overlooked by rapid urban growth, lies Brari Nambal—once a pristine freshwater body affectionately known as Bab Demb or Baba Demb. Connected to the famed Dal Lake, Brari Nambal was historically considered its serene lagoon, fed by clean waters and sustained through the Mar Canal, which served as its primary outflow until the 1970s.

Decades ago, the lake was more than just a scenic spot—it was a lifeline. Elderly residents recall a time when its waters were so pure that people drank directly from it. “We didn’t need filters or bottled water back then,” says Ghulam Nabi, a 78-year-old resident of the area. “This lake was our source of life. The water was clear, sweet, and cool even in the peak of summer.”
Children once played along its banks, women washed utensils, and men would gather in the evenings, reflecting on life as the calm waters mirrored the surrounding chinars. The lake was not just an ecological asset but a social and cultural hub deeply woven into the everyday life of Srinagar.
Today, that memory stands in stark contrast to reality. What remains of Brari Nambal is a shrinking, polluted water body, choked with weeds, plastic waste, and untreated sewage. A foul, stinking odor now hangs in the air, replacing the once-refreshing breeze.
“You can’t even stand here for long now,” says Shabnam Begum, a local resident. “The smell is unbearable. It feels like the lake is dying slowly, and nobody is doing enough to save it.”
Environmental degradation, encroachment, and the loss of its natural drainage through the Mar Canal have all contributed to its decline. Without proper outflow, the water has become stagnant, accelerating pollution and destroying aquatic life. Experts warn that if immediate steps are not taken, the lake may soon lose its identity entirely.
For younger residents, the lake is no longer a place of pride but a reminder of neglect. “We’ve only heard stories from our elders about how beautiful it used to be,” says Aamir, a college student. “It’s hard to believe this dirty water was once used for drinking.”
Despite the grim situation, hope still lingers among locals. Community members and environmental activists are increasingly raising their voices, demanding urgent restoration efforts. They call for dredging, proper waste management, and most importantly, the revival of the historic Mar Canal to restore the lake’s natural flow.
“This is not just about water,” says Bashir Ahmad, a shopkeeper nearby. “This is about our heritage, our identity. If we lose Brari Nambal, we lose a part of Srinagar’s soul.”
The story of Brari Nambal is, in many ways, the story of many neglected water bodies across Kashmir—once pure, life-giving, and central to community life, now struggling under the weight of urbanization and indifference.
As the sun sets over Dal Lake, casting golden reflections across its waters, Brari Nambal sits in quiet distress nearby—waiting, perhaps, for the day when its water will once again run clear, and its lost glory is finally restored.