Based on recent reports, including those regarding the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA), the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) are facing critical environmental degradation due to rapid urbanization, illegal land conversion, and severe pollution, despite their status as a Ramsar site. 

Key Findings and Status of EKW

Degradation and Shrinkage: 

The wetlands are experiencing significant fragmentation, with the number of patches increasing from 2,689 in 1991 to 4,532 in 2023. The area under fish ponds has shrunk significantly, with 377 hectares rendered redundant due to excessive siltation.

Environmental Impact: 

The EKW's ability to recycle waste and manage floods is decreasing, with the ecosystem health index dropping from 0.67 in 1991 to 0.55 in 2023. The wetlands, which act as a natural sewage treatment system, handle roughly 750-900 million liters of sewage daily, yet are overwhelmed.

Illegal Construction & Encroachment: Reports highlight increased pressure from developers to fill in water bodies for construction, particularly in the peripheries.

Conservation Measures:

 The NGT (National Green Tribunal) has ordered the EKWMA to install high-mast steel signages to mark the boundaries and prevent encroachment. The state is framing "wise use" plans to manage the area, including proposals for eco-tourism.

Ecological Significance: 

The EKW remains the world's largest wastewater-fed aquaculture system and is essential for the city's, acting as both a "kidney" (natural sewage treatment) and "lung" (carbon sink). 

East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority

Recent Management Actions (2021-2025)

Boundary Demarcation: The EKWMA has initiated the installation of permanent, indestructible pillars to mark the boundary.

Legal Action: The Calcutta High Court has barred the state from allowing new constructions, and all NGT cases were disposed of in 2021-2022.

Management Plan: The 2021-2026 Management Action Plan is in place, focusing on restoring the natural, sewage-fed ecosystem.

If you are looking for specific information, I can:

□Detail the environmental impacts (siltation, pollution).

□List specific, recent, legal actions/court orders.

□Explain the "wise-use" management plan for 2021-2026.

□Provide more information on the EKWMA.

Please let me know which area you'd like to explore.

Somendra mohan ghosh Environmentalist & Green Technologist