Srinagar, Jul 1, KNT: In a remarkable tale of individual commitment, a 69-year-old Dutch woman has become a quiet guardian of Kashmir’s Dal Lake, dedicating the last five years to cleaning its waters, bottle by bottle, wrapper by wrapper.
Ellis Hubertina, now affectionately called the ‘Mother of Dal’ by many locals, has never sought headlines, recognition, or official support. But a recent viral video showing her rowing through the lake and picking up trash has thrust her selfless mission into the limelight, capturing hearts both in Kashmir and across the globe.
With no official title or team, Ellis has been a familiar figure to Srinagar residents. Locals say she is often seen early in the morning or late in the day, quietly removing plastic waste and floating debris from the lake. Her approach is humble: no banners, no campaigns, just a sense of personal responsibility.
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“She doesn’t preach, she just does. And that’s what makes her different,” said a Dal gate shopkeeper who frequently sees Ellis riding her bicycle or rowing her small boat through the waters of Dal Lake.
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Ellis documents her life and environmental efforts on Instagram, sharing stunning views of Kashmir’s landscapes along with snippets of her clean-up work. Her account has become a space of inspiration, attracting support from followers worldwide who admire her unshakable commitment.
Originally arriving in Kashmir years ago, Ellis chose to settle in Srinagar, where her love for nature and concern over the pollution in Dal Lake gradually turned into a quiet mission. For her, every discarded item in the lake is not someone else’s problem, it’s hers to fix.
Environmental activists while appreciating her role, say her work is a gentle yet powerful reminder of what individual action can achieve. “In a place where lakes are choking with filth and authorities remain slow to act, Ellis is doing more than most government campaigns ever did,” said a local environmentalist.
As Dal Lake continues to face threats from pollution, encroachments, and unchecked tourism, Ellis Hubertina’s story stands as a shining example of personal responsibility and environmental love, one act of kindness at a time. [KNT]
