The West Bengal
Assembly has adopted legislation barring
the filling up of wetlands that exceed
0.035 ha in the state's
notified urban areas.
The ecological importance of these
wetlands artificialIy embanked areas
and naturally or artificially depressed
lands holding water
-has long been recognised. Large Klranmoy Nondo: Befriending
tracts of these wet-fishrfolk.
lands have been filled up in recent years by real estate
promoters with utter disregard for their ecological use.
The West Bengal Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 1993,
states encroachment by builders and developers has
assumed alarming proportions. State fisheries minister
Kiranmoy Nanda emphasised the legislation was intended mainly to help fisherfolk by assisting them to set up
fishing cooperatives in the wetlands. These wetlands are
being filled now and they are to be confiscated, restored
to their original state and then handed over to cooperatives, who will pay a reasonable rent to the state.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.