In a decisive move to protect the fragile East Kolkata Wetlands ecosystem, authorities have initiated the demolition of illegal structures following the Calcutta High Court’s directives. The wetlands, which are globally recognised for their ecological and socio-economic importance, had long been under threat from unauthorised development. The court’s 2017 ruling, reiterated in 2023, directed the South 24 Parganas district administration to act against encroachments, leading to the demolition process commencing on Tuesday.
Supervised by Sonarpur BDO Shinjini Sengupta and senior police officials, the operations involved a significant deployment of law enforcement to ensure smooth execution. The administration confirmed that all identified illegal constructions would be systematically removed. The wetlands, which span over 12,500 hectares and support biodiversity alongside Kolkata’s waste management, are critical to the city’s environmental health. However, unchecked encroachments have raised alarms among activists and residents about the long-term sustainability of this natural resource.
This enforcement action reflects the growing urgency to balance urban development with environmental conservation. Encroachments not only degrade the ecosystem but also impact the livelihoods of local communities who rely on the wetlands for fishing and farming. Comparisons with other regions show that similar ecosystems, such as Mumbai’s mangroves, face comparable threats, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and judicial intervention.
From a sustainability perspective, protecting the East Kolkata Wetlands is pivotal. As a Ramsar site, these wetlands regulate groundwater levels, prevent flooding, and act as the city’s “green lungs.” Activists have emphasised the importance of stringent measures to deter future violations, suggesting collaborative efforts between government bodies, local stakeholders, and urban planners to safeguard this natural asset.
