The people of my generation, or the older ones or may be even some of the younger ones will remember vividly and fondly the beauty and glory of Ranchi Lake or Badka Talao as it is more popularly known. With its six islands, four of them being large ones, full of tall trees and heaven for the birds, the tree-lined banks with benches at regular interval, it was truly a place of beauty and joy.

It is said that the water of the lake was so pure that practically half of Ranchi was using its water, especially to cook dal. And the pride of the place was the lotus corner. This was located at the corner which now has a so called park, if you can dare to call it so.

The corner was full of large-sized pink lotus flowers. During this time of the year it was a treat to see them swinging in the monsoon breeze. And when it was raining, the rain drops added further beauty to the flowers. Another pond, which also had lotus flowers, albeit of smaller variety, is the lake at Karmtoli Chowk. During the monsoon this lake used to be full of these flowers. Another beautiful and large lake of Jharkhand where the lotus bloomed was the Kamal Dah at Betla Reserve Forest. The last time I was in Betla, I was so fascinated by its beauty I spent most of my time around this lake. Alas, it is no longer possible now.

Another lake which boasted of a large lotus bloom was the Saheb Bandh at Silli. But about this some other time. The time I am witting about was the period when these lakes/ponds were being leased out every year. Generally, year after year the same person was taking the lease and he was taking care of the lakes not only to earn profit but also to maintain his prestige in the town. Then came the era of socialism and the departments concerned started looking after the lakes and neglect set in.

Finally, the beautification programme came. In the name of these, the lakes were literally destroyed. Major chunk of the Ranchi lake was encroached, islands were ruined and the lotus uprooted. More or less the same happened to the Karamtoli Lake. I have not been to Betla for years.

But I am told that Kamal Dah has also lost its old glory. That is why it was a pleasant surprise when I suddenly came across a small pond in the Ramgarh valley full of lotus flowers.

As you are nearly halfway in the valley there is a small pond, which is now in full bloom with these purest flowers. Seeing them sway in the breeze with rain drops on their petals is a treat to the eyes. Let us hope no beautification programme reaches this small pond.