Wetlands of Calcutta

Abstract

Wetlands of East Calcutta is a conglomerate of natural and man-made
wetlands located east of the city of Calcutta in West Bengal, The water table is usually at or near the surface, or the ground is covered with shallow water, on Indian grounds. The importance of wetlands is the food chain that maintains ecological balance and absorbs pollutants, treats sewage and meets the needs of fish. It has 264 sewage-operated fishing, agriculture and solid waste farms, and some built-up areas, along with wetlands.Over the years, the city's wastewater management system has been the largest and only system of
its kind in the world. It also helps treat water and is home to aquatic birds and a large biodiversity. The Ramsar Bureau's list was created in accordance with Article 8 of the Ramsar Convention. The deprivation of of the source of a hugli stream the gradual destruction of bidyadhari river and the rising demand of effluent drainage and waste disposal, Calcutta's ever-expanding city has led to rapid settlement and reclamation of the coastal areas of East Calcutta. ۔It played a decisive role in shrinking the wetlands of East
Calcutta to their present size.The wetlands of East Calcutta are one of the world's best examples of integrated resource restoration systems and water recycling concepts using peripheral wetlands around cities. It is the largest sewage reservoir for fish ponds in the world.Areas and target groups should be decided, specific needs should be identified according to priorities before development funds are allocated for these areas with the participation of stakeholders in the programs.