Eco Park's Remarkable Transformation: From Marshy Wetlands to Kolkata's Urban Jewel
As Calcutta Times celebrates its 25th anniversary, we examine 25 spaces that showcase how Kolkata continuously reinvents its cultural landscape. Few locations embody this transformation more dramatically than Eco Park – an expansive urban green space in New Town that has evolved from marshy wetlands and sparse plantations into one of the city's most popular recreational destinations.
The Humble Beginnings: Wetlands and Open Terrain
Before the meticulously landscaped gardens, themed zones, and weekend crowds, the area destined to become Eco Park was predominantly open land. Partha Sarathi Ghosh, who was intimately involved with the park during its formative years, recalls the site was still taking shape when initial development commenced.
"I was there from the very beginning... before that there was nothing resembling an Eco Park," Ghosh remembers. "There were only Gate No. 1 and Gate No. 2 with a small area. From base number one to base number five existed a place called Maser Bela." The landscape primarily consisted of wetlands and open terrain. "There was a wetland park there," Ghosh explains. "The crucial element was the water body. At that time, not a single tree stood on the site."
Gradual transformation began with plantation drives and landscaping initiatives. "First the plantations started. Then a rose garden was constructed, followed by a rainforest. Slowly, one by one, various elements emerged," he states. Initial visitor numbers remained modest. "On Saturdays in the early days, perhaps three thousand, four thousand, or five thousand people would visit," Ghosh recollects. "During winter especially, from November through March, many people began arriving."
Rapid Expansion and Growing Pains
As footfall increased substantially, the park's infrastructure required rapid expansion. Parking quickly emerged as one of the most significant logistical challenges. "There were so many vehicles - 1,000, 1,200, sometimes 1,500 cars daily," he reveals. "We had to strategically plan where parking would be located and how to manage it effectively."
The administrative framework remained relatively small initially. "There were very few personnel," Ghosh recalls. "There was a curator, a manager, and two or three office workers." Yet even during those early years, the magnitude of public interest became unmistakably evident. "On one particular day, December 25th, we welcomed approximately one lakh visitors," he says. "We had to manage everything... so many people, requiring extensive control measures."
The Modern Marvel: Multi-Zone Recreational Landscape
Over subsequent years, Eco Park gradually expanded into a multi-zone recreational landscape centered around a substantial water body. Today it ranks among India's largest urban parks, integrating themed gardens, activity spaces, and open walking areas that attract thousands of visitors weekly.
Several attractions rapidly gained popularity. "Two features became exceptionally popular," Ghosh notes. "One was the train and the other was the Eco-cart." The toy train circling park sections swiftly transformed into a visitor highlight, particularly for families.
Various themed gardens emerged throughout the park. "You observe there is a Japanese garden there," he points out. "There was also the Prajapati garden. It was exceptionally beautiful and attracted numerous visitors."
Infrastructure developed progressively. "Earlier the island was nearly empty," he remembers. "We used to access it by boat. The bridge arrived much later." Over time, the park commenced hosting events and public gatherings. "Occasionally major industrial houses would visit and display their products," he says. "It became a venue where people could congregate collectively."
A Community Space for Everyday Leisure
For many contemporary Kolkatans, Eco Park represents both everyday leisure and special attractions. Arindam Saha, a frequent visitor, often arrives for evening walks, sometimes accompanied by his grandson.
"I visit here quite regularly for walks, occasionally with my grandson," Saha shares. "What I appreciate is the ability to engage in numerous activities within one location. You can walk around the solar dome area, stroll near the Eiffel Tower replica, enjoy a cup of tea, perhaps play a round of golf, or grab a snack. There's even a zoo. Some days you desire active pursuits, other days you simply want a tranquil evening by the water – Eco Park provides both experiences."
Why Eco Park Resonates with Kolkata
- Because it converted wetlands and open land into one of Kolkata's largest urban green spaces, providing the rapidly expanding New Town township with essential public breathing room.
- Because its toy train rides, themed gardens, lakeside walks, and activity zones have established it as a weekend ritual for families across the metropolitan area.
- Because it mirrors New Town's own narrative – evolving from vacant land into a planned urban landscape prioritizing leisure, culture, and community at its core.
- Because behind the manicured lawns lies a story of gradual planning, improvisation, and personnel managing crowds, vehicles, and chaos as the park steadily developed.
- Because Eco Park demonstrates that even within a rapidly expanding city, there remains space for locations where people can decelerate, walk beside water, and simply observe evening unfold.
