The Lady of the Lake: A Dutch Woman’s Soulful Battle Against Plastic in Kashmir’s Heart
When the morning arrives Srinagar and the mirror of Dal Lake reflect the first sunlight and a lone shikara cuts through its stillness But this boat doesn t carry tourists or flowers It carries purpose It is Ellis Hubertina Spaaanderman a -year-old woman from Holland who came to Kashmir nearly two and a half decades ago which is nearly years ago and never really left What brings her here every morning isn t duty It s devotion Dal Lake gave me peace now it s my turn to return the favor A Silent War on PlasticWhile others scroll through images of Dal Lake Ellis sees what s hidden beneath tangled plastic bags discarded bottles and remnants of neglect Each morning with a simple rake and bare hands she fishes out what civilization has cast aside There's no media no fanfare just dedication nbsp and a gentle boat carving through nbsp
