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Exploring the Mysterious Wetlands: Just how amazing is the biodiversity of East Kolkata's wetlands?
The East Kolkata Wetlands, located east of the city of Kolkata in West Bengal, India, is a complex ecosystem consisting of natural and artificial wetlands with a total area of 125 square kilometers. This wetland has rich ecological resources, including salt marshes, farmland, sewage treatment plants and sedimentation ponds. Among them, the main function of these wetlands is to treat urban sewage. The nutrients in the urban wastewater support the development of fish farming and agriculture, demonstrating the interdependence of ecosystems.
The East Kolkata Wetlands is the world’s largest sewage aquaculture site, an achievement that demonstrates the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Wetland Protection History
In 1991, the West Bengal government accepted a plan proposed by a non-resident Indian to build a World Trade Center on the wetlands and allocated 227 acres of wetlands for the purpose. The proposal sparked opposition from environmental group United for Better Living Kolkata (PUBLIC), which filed a case in the Calcutta High Court, highlighting the importance of wetlands and why they must be protected. The court's decision is seen as a landmark one, typical of its kind, which not only explores the definition of wetlands, but also reviews their status in Australia and the United States, emphasizing the role of wetlands in maintaining microclimates, absorbing pollution, providing habitat for aquatic plants and The functional value of animals in terms of providing habitats, etc.
Wetland Biodiversity
The East Kolkata Wetlands are home to a diverse flora and fauna. According to statistics, about 100 plant species have been recorded in the area, including water sunflower, Salsola, etc. Local farmers and fishermen use water hyacinth to reduce soil erosion, and a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, eggplant, pumpkin, etc. are also grown here. There are also a large number of coconut and betel nut trees in the wetland, forming a unique ecological landscape.
The East Kolkata Wetlands are a biodiversity hotspot, with fish farming including silver carp and tilapia, and dozens of bird species also living here.
In terms of fauna, the wetlands are home to several species of shrews and meerkats. According to reports, about 20 species of mammals can be seen here, and another 40 species of birds can be seen, but with the progress of urbanization, many bird species are gradually disappearing. Other studies have shown that the diversity of microorganisms in this place should not be underestimated. Important new strains of microorganisms have appeared in some samples. These microorganisms play an indispensable role in the ecosystem.
Sustainable Development of Wetlands
As an artificial wetland based on sewage aquaculture, the East Kolkata Wetland is not only an example of urban sewage treatment, but is also seen as a potential carbon sink to combat climate change. The local harmonious ecosystem proves that a balance can actually be found between development and environmental protection. For example, in the process of purifying sewage, a large amount of carbon dioxide can be absorbed here, achieving a win-win situation of environmental protection and economic benefits.
The entire conservation and management process relies on a 1992 High Court ruling and the subsequent passage of the East Kolkata Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Act in 2006, which established a dedicated management agency and demonstrated a model of cooperation between the local government and the community. . This not only opens up a new path for wetland protection, but also provides a reference for subsequent environmental protection legislation.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite a series of conservation achievements, the East Kolkata Wetlands still faces ongoing threats such as illegal landfill and land encroachment, which may affect its ecological functions and biodiversity. As urbanization continues to expand, some companies are trying to convert this wetland into a legitimate business development, and if these actions are not stopped, they will destroy this precious ecosystem.
The implementation of the plan and the promotion of public education are crucial to ecological protection. Only by recognizing the ecological importance of these wetlands can we better protect these natural resources and leave this vibrant environment for future generations. However, we still need to think about whether we can find a more perfect balance between future urban planning and ecological protection?
