Sahil Iqbal
SRINAGAR, June 1: Rowing a boat she owns on Dal Lake, a 69-year-old Dutch woman who has been living in Kashmir for over five years has taken it upon herself to fight the growing menace of plastic waste.
Ellis Hubertina Spaanderman, deeply disturbed by plastic strewn around popular picnic spots and tourist areas, has launched what she calls her personal crusade against the material.
“People go for picnics and leave behind piles of plastic. I ask, why are you wasting your nature? I would love to see the day I walk around without spotting a single piece of plastic,” she said.
According to her, plastic pollution is not only unsightly but also dangerous.
“People don’t realize plastic breaks down into microplastics, which enter our bodies and can cause diseases. We all have microplastics inside us. If you want to stay healthy, you must keep your environment healthy,” she told Excelsior.
She first visited Kashmir as a tourist 25 years ago and says she instantly fell in love with the Valley, never imagining it would one day become her permanent home.
“The last time I came here was as a traveller. I reached Dal Lake and saw the mountains around-it was beauty beyond words. I fell in love with the place, and in the end, Kashmir became my destiny,” she said.
Ellis, who is often seen cycling around Srinagar and beyond, believes in living a life in harmony with nature.
“In the Netherlands, there are more bicycles than people. I’ve been cycling for six decades-it keeps me fit and connected to nature. Why take a car when you can pedal your way through paradise?”
Her love for Kashmir goes beyond its landscapes. She praises the warmth and openness of the people, countering the negative narratives often portrayed in the media.
“We were told so many lies about Kashmir. But people here are kind and hospitable. I’ve never felt unsafe-not even once,” she said.
To raise awareness and promote the Valley’s natural beauty, Ellis runs an Instagram account where she shares glimpses of her life in Kashmir.
Her posts attract a lot of attention and appreciation from both locals and people across India and the world.
“We can learn a lot from the Gujjars and Bakerwals. They are among the healthiest people in Kashmir. They live simply, survive in nature, and eat naturally. I have to learn from them,” she said.
Ellis has even taught herself how to row a shikara and owns one for getting around.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
