Pakistani citizens have been invited by this blogger to share their fondest thinking about the fabled canal in Lahore - the country’s cultural capital.
The BRB Canal
Originally built by the Mughals in 1861, later revived by the British, the 82 kilometer (37 miles) tree-lined Banba-wali Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal slices through the heart of Lahore: meandering past posh residences, famous colleges, and cheery cricket grounds.
Here are the musings, observations and thoughts of some people nice enough to share their “canal moments” with us.
By Irfan ‘Mazdak’ Husain
Pakistan’s most eminent columnist, Mr.Husain writes for The Dawn and Daily Times. He divides his time in Karachi and London.
I have been lucky enough to have traveled to many countries over the years, and have driven across some spectacular landscapes that included mountains, sea sides, valleys and lakes. But I can never forget driving along the Lahore canal, with its canopy of trees overhead, as the full moon's reflection followed me on the surface of the water.
Back in the 70s, there was little traffic, and one caught glimpses of couples sitting on the canal's grassy verge. On hot summer evenings, we would park and sip a beer or two while watching leaves glide by. Now, alas, traffic is heavy and the moral police would swiftly pounce on couples and drinkers. I suppose I'm lucky to have the memories of a more relaxed period in Pakistan's brief but turbulent history.
By Mian Naeem
A painter, Mr. Naeem is also an art critic. He lives in Lahore, along with his vintage car.
It starts from BRB canal, few yards away from the Khaira Village, dividing the poor neighborhood of Lahore from the trendy addresses of the privileged rich. After crossing the Thokar Niaz Baig it turns left and moves parallel to the Raiwind road. Flowing between the main highways, the canal also serves as the chief artery of the city. Despite receiving sewerage from (some) localities it flows by, the water looks and feels clean.
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Article comments
1 - Tariq from Lahore
What a piece. Are you really an Indian?
2 - Bruno
a very beautifulpiece. thanks very much.
3 - krishnapal
great pics and very good compilation of memoirs from distinct personalities. it brings to life the rich history of this canal...
4 - Mayank Austen Soofi
It has been pointed out to me that the Mughals couldn't have built the canal in 1861 because they were deposed by the British in 1857. Sorry.
5 - Elvira Black
Terrific stuff, Mayank!
6 - Tehman Lall
Does this mean the Canal is yet another creation of the Brits? If it is then we could forget about it being re-engineered, because we've hardly reengineered anything the English created during their times..!
7 - Mayank Austen Soofi
I fear you are right, Tehman.
8 - Roni
If the residents of Lahore stop dumping their waste in the canal and stop burning the garbage by the side of the canal then the natural beauty can be enjoyed.
Ronni
9 - Uzair Akbar
did you mean cutting of trees is resisted?what will you do if they cut off all white wood trees on the sides of canal?
10 - imrana tiwana
thrilled to read all the comments on the lahore...i am an architect and environmental/urban designer...and convener of the 'Lahore Bachao - Darakht Bachao Tehreek'..we are struggling hard to save the canal..stopping widening of road on both sides..the canal flanked by a fast moving motorway will be a major disaster for the city of Lahore..please join us..send in comments and suggestion...pictures..history etc..i am putting together a presentation...can anyone help..thanks..imrana
11 - Khadim Hussain
I'm coming to Lahore from England, I would a map of the canal. I'm a poet writer, in English and would love to do a peom and prose.
Khadim Hussain
Middlesbrough
England
12 - mukeysh mehab
showing pics of bambawala ravi barnala canal
HI MAYANK AUSIN,
CAN I HAVE OUR PHONE AS WE HAVE TO DISCUSS LOT THINGS
is jusT an shivering experience for me .i had been in lahore during cricket match and also enjoyed a lot i have few snaps of canal too n many old mkt, of lahore which i want to publish on this bloog site
mukeysh mehtab
[Personal contact info deleted]
13 - mukeysh mehab
hi mayank,
i,m regularly reading yor articals
very particular n open to all
I HAVE TO DISCUSS LOT OF THINGS IN GAY LIFE IN DELHI
HOW TO GIVE THEM RIGHT DIRECTION ? CAN U SPARE SOME TIME?
[Personal contact info deleted]
14 - mukeysh mehab
why why mayank
i have spent beutiful 4 days in lahore with affetionate peoples but now it sees that ost of the community in pakistan is anti india
only those having relation in india have sympathy for india
mayank we must meet once
marks mukeysh