Ecosystem and Livelihood Support: The Story of East Kolkata Wetlands

The wetlands in the eastern fringe of Kolkata, popularly known as the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), work as an absorber of sewage water and excess rainwater runoff from the city. The local people are utilizing this waste water in pisciculture through adoption of a number of traditionally inherited practices. Moreover, pond effluent based paddy cultivation and garbage based vegetable farming are integrated with fishery in the ways that make the production processes complementary to each other. However, since the development of Salt Lake City and the construction of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, the connectivity of EKW with the main city has improved and pressures of urbanization are leading to the conversion of wetlands into urban settlements. This is disturbing the ecological balance, as well as making traditional economic activities less profitable. This article illustrates this crisis of existence and critically assesses the remedial attempts.