A Crucial Step for the City’s Future
Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to people and the environment. They serve as natural water filters, purifying water and preventing pollution. Wetlands also provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals and are important for flood control and erosion prevention. In Kolkata, wetlands have been a significant part of the city’s natural landscape, but many of these wetlands have been lost or damaged due to urbanization and other human activities. Wetland restoration is the process of rehabilitating and rejuvenating these ecosystems, and it is crucial for preserving the city’s natural heritage.
One of the most significant wetlands in Kolkata is the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). The EKW is a complex of natural and man-made wetlands covering an area of approximately 12,500 acres. It is home to a diverse array of plants and animals and serves as an essential natural water filter for the city. The EKW has been recognized as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, and it has also been designated as a wetland of national importance by the Indian government.
According to data from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, the EKW is able to treat approximately 50% of Kolkata’s sewage and domestic waste, helping to purify the city’s water and prevent pollution. The EKW is also a vital habitat for many species of plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species. However, the EKW has faced numerous threats over the years, including illegal encroachment and pollution.
Kolkata has lost a significant portion of its wetlands due to urbanization and other human activities. Many wetlands have been drained and filled in for development, while others have been polluted by industrial and agricultural runoff. The loss of wetlands has had severe consequences for the city, including increased flooding and erosion, and a decline in the populations of plants and animals that depend on these ecosystems. A study by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board in 2015 found that the EKW had lost approximately 20% of its area due to urbanization and other human activities. This loss of wetland habitat has had negative impacts on the plants and animals that rely on these ecosystems.
Wetland restoration is crucial for the health and well-being of the people of Kolkata. Wetlands serve as natural water filters, purifying water and preventing pollution. They also provide a habitat for a variety of plants and animals and are important for flood control and erosion prevention. Restoring wetlands can help reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion and can also improve air quality by reducing pollutants in the air.
The EKW is a particularly vital wetland for Kolkata, as it serves as a natural water filter for the city and is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Restoring the EKW and other wetlands in Kolkata can help preserve these valuable ecosystems and the plants and animals that depend on them.
Wetland restoration is crucial for preserving Kolkata’s natural heritage and ensuring the long-term health and well-being of the city. By rehabilitating and rejuvenating these ecosystems, Kolkata can reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion, improve air quality, and preserve valuable habitats for plants and animals. The East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) are a particularly vital wetland for the city, and it is essential for Kolkata to prioritize the restoration and protection of these wetlands. According to data from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, the EKW has lost approximately 20% of its area due to urbanization and other human activities. This loss of wetland habitat has had negative impacts on the plants and animals that rely on these ecosystems. By taking action to restore and protect the EKW and other wetlands in Kolkata, the city can ensure the long-term health and well-being of these valuable ecosystems. It is essential for the city to prioritize wetland restoration and take steps to protect and preserve these valuable ecosystems.
