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The Bengal government has unveiled a new web portal aimed at preventing uninformed land purchases in the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). The initiative comes in the wake of several instances where individuals unwittingly bought land in this protected area, only to find out later that conversion of the land for construction is heavily restricted.
The EKW is an internationally recognized Ramsar site, esteemed for being the world's most substantial natural sewage filtration system that functions without any human-engineered technology. This ecological marvel often termed the 'kidney of the city,' plays a pivotal role in maintaining the city's environmental balance.
Bengal's Environment Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia elucidated how the web portal operates. He mentioned that the portal is integrated into the e-nathikaran system of the Directorate of Registration and Stamp Revenue, featuring a comprehensive map of the EKW. Upon entering the land's dag and khatian numbers, users will receive a pop-up detailing any issues associated with EKW land.
Buying or selling land in the EKW is not illegal. However, the conversion of marshy land into homestead land for construction activities is a crime under the EKW Conservation and Management Act 2006. Any such conversion requires explicit clearance from the East Kolkata Wetland Management Authority (EKWMA). This legislation was enacted to protect the EKW from encroachment and misuse.
Dhruba Das Gupta, a distinguished wetland researcher with IIEST, affirmed the potential benefits of the web portal. He believes that the tool can bridge the knowledge gap, preventing uninformed purchases and potential encroachments on the protected wetland. He further emphasized the crucial role that the EKW plays in the city's ecology.
The encroachment and construction in the EKW have been a matter of concern for environmentalists for several decades. From 1972 to 2011, an estimated 38.6 square kilometers of wetlands were converted to built-up areas. The problem gained momentum during the pandemic, prompting the intervention of environmental action group, PUBLIC.
After discovering the encroachment in 2020, the group filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which led to a court order in February, mandating the razing of illegal constructions and restoration of the wetlands. This is not the first time that such action had to be taken. Three decades ago, another PIL filed by PUBLIC led to a landmark judgment by Justice Umesh Chandra Banerjee that prevented further encroachment under the guise of development and ensured the wetlands' protection.
In conclusion the introduction of the new web portal signifies a significant stride towards protecting the East Kolkata Wetlands. By providing prospective buyers with vital information, it aims to avoid uninformed land purchases and preserve this indispensable natural resource. As the city continues to grow and evolve, such initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring that development and environmental conservation go hand in hand.
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