West Bengal’s wetlands under threat: Rapid degradation imperils ecosystem services

West Bengal’s wetlands under threat: Rapid degradation imperils ecosystem services

Biswabrata Goswami

KRISHNAGAR, 16 OCT: A recent comprehensive survey conducted across thirteen lakes in West Bengal has revealed a dire situation for the region’s wetland ecosystems. The study, focusing on wetland health, ecological risks, and ecosystem services, has highlighted alarming trends caused by human activities and urbanization.

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In the heart of this crisis lies Murshidabad district, a biodiversity hub, where 45 crucial bills supporting plant and aquatic life are now overrun by invasive aquatic weeds. The disruption of the natural balance, compounded by factors like silt accumulation and changing river courses, poses a significant threat to these fragile ecosystems.

West Bengal, home to approximately 150 natural wetlands, with Murshidabad hosting the highest number, is facing a crisis. Historically, these wetlands have been vital, supporting plant and aquatic life, and providing essential ecosystem services. However, over half of these wetlands have now been overrun by aquatic weeds, disrupting the delicate ecological balance.

At the end of the monsoon season, as the river’s water level recedes on the side of the bills, some of the water from the bills return to the river. This dynamic environment supports the growth of various types of aquatic plants such as shaluk, kalmi, and lotus, the researcher said.  

Subhasis Das, a research scholar, department of Geography, Raja N L Khan Women’s College in West Midnapore said, “Furthermore, in these bills, you can find a variety of fish, including Rui Katla, Khaira Chela, Bata, Punti, Boal Shingi, Magur, Pankal, and more. These bills play a vital role in the ecosystem of West Bengal, supporting plant and aquatic life, as well as ecosystem services.”

The survey, encompassing 205 families across 60 villages surrounding thirteen lakes, including Ahiran Lake and Bangsabati Beel, shed light on the critical role these wetlands play in local livelihoods. Many residents depend on the wetlands for their livelihoods, relying on its water resources and ecosystem services, Subhasis reported.

However, a severe water crisis is gripping these wetlands due to their reliance on rainwater. The use of pesticides in nearby agricultural fields has led to significant water pollution, affecting fish, water plants, and bird species biodiversity. The lakes are also affected by practices like jute retting, which contaminate surface water, making it unfit for consumption.

The survey also categorized the wetlands based on pollution levels, revealing the severity of the issue. Wetlands like Sgar Dighi, Bill Bharat Gobindapur, and Bishnupur Bill were classified as highly polluted, while others like Bill Patan, Bill Belun Bill, Sheeal Lake, Balagachir Bill, Kati Ganga, Matijhil Lake and Ahiran Lake showed moderate pollution levels. Chhatiani Beel and Char Sujapur Beel were among the few with low pollution levels.

Local residents are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Continuous heavy rainfall has damaged lotus cultivation, a significant source of income for many families, in wetlands like Bill Patan and Bill Belun Bill. Additionally, the loss of provisioning ecosystem services is estimated to range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per hectare per year due to wetland degradation and pollution, the research scholars reported in their findings.

Environmental experts and activists have sounded the alarm, urging immediate action to address these issues. Dr, Pravat Kumar Shit, Assistant Professor of Raja Nl Khan Women’s College said that Chhatiani Beel and Bishnupur Bill used to be connected through Bhandar Daha in the Bhagirathi River up until 20 years ago. However, recent developments in agricultural activities, urban expansion, and the discharge of municipal wastewater have disrupted this connection, effectively cutting off the functional ecological link between the river and the wetlands. As a result, the wetlands have suffered degradation, reductions in their size and water depth, fragmentation, and a significant decline in their ability to provide ecosystem services.

The local resident Chandan Ghosh, aged 48, has also reported a significant reduction in the availability of lotus and water chestnuts due to the degradation of wetlands. Lotus cultivation primarily takes place in the Bill Patan, Bill Belun Bill wetlands, occurring from April to December each year. There is a high demand for lotus flowers, especially during the period from Durga Puja to Kali Puja. Unfortunately, in recent times, continuous heavy rainfall has caused considerable damage to those engaged in lotus cultivation in the Bill Patan and Bill Belun Bill lakes, situated in the Khargram block of the Murshidabad district.

In light of these findings, urgent measures are needed to conserve and rejuvenate West Bengal’s wetlands. “Community awareness, stringent pollution control measures, sustainable agricultural practices, and strategic urban planning are essential to ensure the survival of these vital ecosystems. The clock is ticking, and concerted efforts are crucial to preserving the natural heritage of West Bengal and securing the livelihoods of thousands depending on these wetlands,” Dr Shit said.

Tags: #Wetland #WestBengal #ecosystem #biodiversity #Murshidabad

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