Pashan Lake, located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, was built during British rule in 1867-68 to provide water to important government establishments, including Government House and the Gun Powder Works in Kirkee. Once a vibrant ecosystem teeming with birdlife, the lake is now struggling due to pollution, particularly from untreated sewage, leading to a recent incident where numerous dead fish were found floating on its surface. Local resident Ashok Makar, whose family has historical ties to the lake, is advocating for its restoration and has offered to finance cleanup efforts. According to Shailaja Deshpande from Jeevitnadi, the lake was crucial for decentralized water management in Pune, supplying water for domestic use and irrigation long after colonial rule ended. However, the lake's current state reflects broader issues within civic and social systems in Pune, as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been criticized for its failure to maintain the waterbody. Despite these challenges, Pashan Lake remains a significant site for biodiversity, attracting various migratory birds and other wildlife.