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 69-year-old woman from Holland who came to Kashmir nearly two and a half decades ago, which is nearly 25 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 Plastic

While 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  and a gentle boat carving through 

Dal Lake isn’t just a postcard; it’s the pulse of Srinagar. It is heritage, home, and hope. Over 60,000 people rely on it for their livelihood, and countless more draw spiritual and emotional nourishment from its waters. Yet, it chokes under the weight of plastic, sewage, and apathy. Though successive governments have tried dredging, anti-encroachment operations, and awareness campaigns, the pollution keeps returning—like an unwelcome tide. Policies shift, seasons change, but Ellis remains constant.

The Power of One

Ellis’s story is not one of spectacle but of subtle strength. In a world obsessed with influencers and viral trends, her activism is deeply analog, built on sweat, silence, and small steps. Children look at her curiously from nearby houseboats; some locals cheer her on

Ellis isn’t alone in her crusade. In the same waters, Jannat Tariq, who began her cleanup mission at just five years old, now leads Mission Dal Lake, a digital initiative that mobilizes awareness and community action. Her efforts have gained national recognition, even from Prime Minister Modi. 

Meanwhile, J&K Eco Watch, founded by environmental lawyer Nadeem Qadri, takes a broader approach, protecting wetlands, forests, and other ecological hotspots across the region. Regular clean-up drives and eco-awareness camps are slowly shifting public consciousness. The government, too, has invested in large-scale dredging operations, aquatic weed control, and solid waste management projects. But while systemic change inches forward, individual action like Ellis’s provides the soul.

The Soul Knows No Borders

At 69, most retire to comfort. Ellis wakes before dawn, rows into cold water, and pulls out yesterday’s plastic with tomorrow in mind. She speaks softly, but her actions roar. In a region known for its political storms and cultural complexities, Ellis’s presence is a whisper of clarity: that love is action.