There have been other changes too, unfortunately all of them to the canal's detriment. Its water has turned from silvery to dark brown, its flow from smooth to sluggish and its quality from potable to poisonous. The water used to flow throughout the year, except when the canal was closed for annual cleaning. This year, water shortage kept it dry for weeks. The problem has not been fully overcome so far but water is again flowing though it keeps receding to knee-deep level.
Many international cities have canals.
They are part of their culture and affect their lifestyle. Lahore's canal is no different but it has a wholly different role. It serves as a huge swimming pool during the summer season for young boys, mostly from socially and economically deprived segments. When the summer turns unbearably scorching, the nearly 15km long canal is fully occupied by children and young boys. Many young men also join for a cool dip in this community bath.