In the east of Lahore city, a canal runs that start from Bambawali-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) known as Lahore Canal. This canal is very much popular in the city and one of the reasons is that in summers you can see a huge number of youngsters swimming in it.Â
It will not be wrong if said about a canal that Lahore Canal, A swimming pool free for all.Â
This waterway was built by the Mughals and is 37 miles long. Later in 1861, British rulers upgraded the canal. 5 feet is the average depth of the canal.Â
This canal is surrounded by the roads form both sides and each side is called Canal Bank Road. This canal is illuminated and decorated with the lights on local and national festivals. In the Mughal Era, the canal was constructed on the east side of the city but was extended by the British rulers on the west side. Â
The idea behind the extension could be the irrigation system. Canal holds importance in the culture of Lahore. Relevant to the festivals, on the local and national events such as Eid, Basant, Pakistan Day, Jashan-e-Baharn, Independence Day, etc that canal is decorated with the difference with the lights and other objects.Â
On these occasions, this canal presents a worth watching view that delights the hearts of the viewers. The major reason for the canal’s popularity is that in the extreme heat of summers, the canal becomes the place of chilling and enjoyment for the people of Lahore.Â
This traditional scene is very common in the summers where boys, men, and even our eastern ladies feel easy to enjoy this public bath in nearby canals.Â
It doesn’t matter that drains of the city is flowing in this canal or in near waters, our domestic animals including buffalo, donkeys, horses also enjoy the same level of bathing as do our human beings.
it is one of the oldest traditions which is now become a necessity of people as these canals are the only source of surplus water to our people so they never miss this chance of enjoying canal swimming in s in one of the filthy waters of our surroundings.
In the harsh weather condition, Lahori men, women, and children in a large number can be seen here enjoying and trying to reduce the heating effects of the hot season. It becomes a crowded place because not everyone living in Lahore can afford the expensive swimming pools, as this natural swimming pool is free for all.Â
Families can be seen here sitting on the bank of the canal. Young boys enjoy the place by swimming and diving in the water from the bridge constructed on the canal.Â
However, the water of the canal is not healthy but still, people come here. By noticing the popularity of the canal because of the youngsters who are fond of swimming, the government is planning to convert some parts of the canal into the pool.Â
Boards would be displayed on the sides of pools to mention the depth of the canal to prohibit the children to swim in those areas.Â
To fulfill the plan, the government would stop the flow of water for some weeks to properly clean the canal and to design it to avoid accidents. According to the experts, this plan would bring a positive impact on the lifestyle of people living in Lahore.
