WHO DESTROYED THE RAMSAR SITE NUMBER 1208 ? KIDNEY OF KOLKATA !
NAZIRABAD is the major concern about the EKW (East Kolkata Wetlands) being converted into an industrial zone / logistics hub without proper clearances and environmental impact assessments.
The potential impact on the ecosystem, local wildlife, biodiversity and even the city's health is huge.
My Question about EKW degradation :
Has there been any official response to these allegations or any action taken against those responsible ?
Legal Proceedings:
The Calcutta High Court has historically acted as the custodian of the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), consistently ruling against conversion and encroachment to protect the RAMSAR site. Key 1992 judgments established a strict ban on altering land use from agriculture/fisheries to residential/commercial, a directive reinforced by the 2006 EKW Conservation and Management Act. Recent 2025 rulings show the court's ongoing dissatisfaction with slow demolition of unauthorized, illegal, structures within the area.
Key Aspects of Wetland Matters in Kolkata High Court:
The 1992 Landmark Judgement: Following a petition by NGO PUBLIC, the court ruled on September 24, 1992, to protect the wetlands, forbidding the state from changing the nature and character of the land, as reported in 1993 (97) CWN 142.
Protection of EKW (Ramsar Site): The court has maintained that the 12,500-hectare EKW, a crucial natural sewage treatment system, cannot be converted for urban development.
Illegal Construction & Encroachment: In 2025, the court (Justice Amrita Sinha) expressed high dissatisfaction with the slow pace of demolishing unauthorized structures, questioning authorities on when the public would see a clean, protected, wetland.
Regulatory Oversight: The court mandates that no building plans or commercial activities are permitted without the East Kolkata Wetland Management Authority's (EKWMA) clearance.
Power Disconnection: The court has directed utilities to cut electricity to unauthorized, illegal, structures within the EKW.
Recent legal proceedings, such as those reported in early 2025, show a continued focus on strict enforcement of these environmental laws.
Think Tank : SMG