The East Kolkata Wetlands, often described as the “lungs” of the city, are being degraded with impunity. Over the decade, political and muscle power coupled with police inaction have caused the large tracts of wetlands to be illegally filled up for real estate business.
East Kolkata Wetlands is a Ramsar site as it was declared “wetland of international importance” under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
According to a senior state environment department official, the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) and some civic bodies in the adjoining areas have lodged 206 FIRs since 2006 in various police stations after they found that wetlands were being illegally filled up for carrying out construction and other business activities.
“Believe it or not, police action was taken in only one case. Despite repeated requests, no action has been taken by the police against those involved in illegal activities perhaps because of political and money power involved,” an official of East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority told The Indian Express.
State Environment Minister Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar, while admitting the reports of illegal filling up of the wetlands for housing and other business purposes, put the blame on the previous Left Front government. “We know illegal conversion of land has taken place. But the problem is that many ordinary people have spent their whole life’s savings to buy a flat in the housing apartments. We cannot bulldoze the apartments now,” the minister said.
“But we are extremely watchful now. A decision has been taken that no activities on East Kolkata Wetlands can be carried out without the permission of the Authority,” Dastidar added.
However, when asked why the police, under the control of none other Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, remained a mute spectator, he replied: “There is shortage of forces.”
Among the cases of illegal conversion of land, unauthorised construction and filling up of wetland, most took place under Tiljala, Sonarpur, Bantala Leather Complex, Bidhan Nagar South police stations.
“We have only eight inspectors, it is impossible for us to keep a regular tab on illegal activities on East Kolkata Wetland Area,” an EKWMA official said.
Only one illegal construction at East Kolkata Wetlands has been demolished in Tiljala so far. “We spoke to police officers numerous times, demanding action against those involved in illegal filling of wetlands. Police asked us to name those involved in such activities. What is the use of having the police if identifying the culprits is our responsibility,” the official added.
According to the EKWMA officials, those involved in illegal activities have money and political power. “Which is why no action has been taken against them,” the official added.
The Bidhan Nagar Municipality has also lodged a couple of police complaints against illegal constructions. “Officials have found illegal construction in at least four places,” the official said.
Source:www.indianexpress.com
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