Kolkata, June 25: Representatives of residents living within the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) region have submitted a memorandum to the government of West Bengal, urging a comprehensive review of existing wetland boundaries and regulations that they say have left more than 1.3 lakh people deprived of basic civic infrastructure and essential development for over a decade.
The memorandum submitted by Indrajit Kumar Chanda on behalf of affected residents across 37 mouzas within the East Kolkata Wetlands management area, calls for a balanced approach that protects the internationally recognised wetland ecosystem while restoring basic rights and amenities to long-established settlements and agriculture communities.
According to the memorandum, a large section of the population living within the notified area belongs to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities and has been facing severe restrictions on everyday activities that most citizens take for granted. Residents claim that they are often unable to build or repair homes, construct boundary walls, improve sanitation facilities or undertake basic residential improvements on privately owned land because of the interpretation and enforcement of wetland regulations. They further allege that essential infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities and drinking water networks, have remained stalled for years.
The memorandum argues that the current framework fails to adequately distinguish between ecologically sensitive wetlands and long-standing villages and agricultural lands. Citing the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the residents have sought a scientific review of existing maps and boundaries, with a view to protecting core wetland areas while permitting reasonable development and public infrastructure in inhabited and agricultural zones.
Among the key demands are a fresh satellite-based demarcation of the East Kolkata Wetlands, alignment of regional zoning with the Wetlands Rules, 2017, and the introduction of a tiered zoning framework that balances environmental protection with public welfare.
“The East Kolkata Wetlands must be protected, but the people who have lived here for generations should not be denied basic housing, sanitation and infrastructure. We are seeking a scientific and balanced solution that safeguards both the environment and the rights of local communities,” said Indrajit Kumar Chanda.
The residents have urged the state government to initiate consultations with relevant departments and authorities to address what they describe as a long-standing imbalance between environmental regulation and the everyday needs of local communities.