In a powerful example of how one person can inspire environmental change, a 69-year-old woman from the Netherlands has become a beloved figure in Kashmir. Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman, affectionately called the “Mother of Dal” by locals, has dedicated the past five years to cleaning the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, one of India’s most celebrated natural treasures.
Spaanderman first set foot in Kashmir more than 25 years ago, captivated by the valley’s breathtaking beauty. The serene Dal Lake, the grandeur of the Mughal gardens, and the snow-dusted peaks of Gulmarg left an unforgettable impression on her. What began as a traveler’s admiration gradually grew into a heartfelt mission. Half a decade ago, she made the extraordinary decision to leave the Netherlands behind and settle permanently in Kashmir to protect its fragile environment.
Viral video wins hearts online
Recently, a video showing Spaanderman collecting plastic bottles and bags floating in Dal Lake spread rapidly across social media platforms. Shared by The Kashmir Today and later reposted by many others, the footage triggered an outpouring of appreciation and respect. The Kashmir Rights Forum, while sharing the clip on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “Kudos to Dutch national Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman for her selfless efforts in cleaning Srinagar’s Dal Lake for the past 5 years. This dedication serves as an inspiration to preserve Kashmir’s natural beauty. Let’s join hands to keep our paradise clean & pristine.”
Promoting collective action
Spaanderman doesn’t just work alone-she uses her personal Instagram account to encourage community participation and spread awareness about environmental responsibility. In one of her recent posts, she urged people to stop blaming tourists, locals, or authorities, and instead take action themselves.
Her caption read, “Cleaning up Kashmir, please, help me. Never underestimate the power of the smallest actions. Joining hands, we can clean up the whole of Kashmir within 2 years. Don’t point fingers, don’t blame either other people (tourists or locals) or governments (stop thinking in separation instead think in collaboration). Instead, do your own part by not throwing your waste everywhere, even collecting some waste of others as I do.”
An inspiration for sustainable tourism
Dal Lake has long been a magnet for travelers, photographers, and nature lovers, but it faces mounting threats from plastic pollution, sewage, and unregulated development. Spaanderman’s persistent work is a timely reminder that preserving natural heritage requires both individual responsibility and collective effort.
