For the past five years, Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman, a 69-year-old Dutch national, has become a familiar and inspiring figure on the waters of Kashmir’s Dal Lake. Known locally as the “Mother of Dal,” Ellis rows her shikara across the lake every day, collecting plastic bottles, bags, and wrappers left behind by tourists and locals alike. Her mission, recently spotlighted by a viral video shared by the Kashmir Rights Forum, has sparked widespread admiration and renewed conversations about environmental responsibility in the valley.

Ellis’s connection with Kashmir began nearly 25 years ago, when she first visited as a traveller and was captivated by its natural beauty. Over time, her bond with the region deepened, and five years ago she made the life-changing decision to settle permanently in Srinagar, dedicating herself to protecting Dal Lake from the growing menace of plastic pollution.

From Netherlands to Kashmir: A Personal Mission

Ellis’s environmental activism is rooted in her upbringing in the Netherlands, where she would collect waste along the seaside. “In general, the Netherlands is clean, but ships throw waste, so I started collecting the waste, it is in my nature. When I see it, I cannot avoid cleaning up,” she explained. Her move to Kashmir was motivated by both the region’s beauty and her growing concern for Dal Lake’s deteriorating condition.

When Ellis first arrived in Kashmir, she observed that the waters of Dal Lake were clear and pristine. Over the years, she has witnessed a significant deterioration in the lake’s condition, noting that plastic pollution was virtually absent during her early visits. Now, she encounters large amounts of plastic waste daily, much of which will take centuries to decompose. Despite these challenges, Ellis remains determined to continue her clean-up efforts for as long as she is physically able.

Inspiring a Community: From Solitary Effort to Collective Action

Initially a solitary crusader, Ellis’s daily cleanups have gradually inspired others to join her mission. Locals, tourists, and environmentalists have praised her selfless efforts. “She’s doing what many of us should be doing,” remarked a Srinagar shopkeeper. Her Instagram account documents her cleanup drives and shares glimpses of life in Kashmir, attracting support from across India and abroad.

Her message is clear: “Never underestimate the power of the smallest actions. Joining hands, we can clean up the whole of Kashmir within two years. Don’t point fingers… do your own part by not throwing your waste everywhere, even collecting some waste of others as I do,” Ellis wrote on Instagram. The Kashmir Rights Forum echoed this sentiment, calling her dedication “an inspiration to preserve Kashmir’s natural beauty” and urging others to join the movement.

Ellis is also a passionate cyclist, often seen riding through Srinagar and its outskirts, promoting eco-friendly living and healthy habits. “In the Netherlands, there are more bicycles than people. I’ve been cycling for 60 years. It keeps me healthy and connected to nature,” she said.

Official Response and the Road Ahead

Local authorities and environmental groups have acknowledged Ellis’s contributions and the awareness she has generated. The Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has praised her efforts and announced plans for new awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement against plastic use. Officials hope that her example will inspire more residents and tourists to take responsibility for keeping Dal Lake clean.

Despite the challenges—ranging from unchecked littering to inadequate waste management—Ellis remains hopeful. “More people are helping now—at the lake, in the woods, even in the streams. That gives me hope,” she said. Her story is a testament to the impact of individual action and the possibility of collective change.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman’s unwavering dedication to Dal Lake is a powerful reminder that one person’s compassion and perseverance can spark a movement. Her journey from a traveller to a beloved protector of Kashmir’s most iconic lake embodies the values of empathy, coexistence, and shared responsibility.