Green Activist Files NGT Petition Over Illegal Wetland Exploitation in Kolkata
A prominent green activist has taken decisive legal action by filing a formal application before the Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The petition raises serious allegations concerning the illegal filling, conversion, and commercial exploitation of vital wetlands located in Karimpur Mouza, within South 24 Parganas district. This area is an integral component of the expansive East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), which holds the prestigious designation of a Ramsar site, recognizing its international importance for biodiversity and ecological function.
Triggered by Investigative Report and Tragic Fire Incident
The activist's legal move was directly prompted by a recent investigative report published by The Times of India. This report exposed the alarming presence of over two dozen large warehouses and an extensive network of roads constructed within the protected EKW area. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by a devastating fire that recently engulfed two such unauthorized sheds in the wetlands. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of at least 27 lives, highlighting the severe safety and environmental risks posed by these illegal constructions.
Specific Reliefs Sought in the NGT Application
In the detailed application submitted to the Tribunal, the activist has sought comprehensive directives to address the multifaceted threats to the wetlands. The key reliefs requested include:
- Immediate Protection: Directions to safeguard the wetlands from ongoing encroachment, contamination, and various forms of pollution.
- Cessation of Activities: An order for the immediate halt of all construction and land-filling activities currently underway in the sensitive area.
- Demolition and Removal: A mandate for the demolition and removal of all illegal constructions, contingent upon the findings of a proposed joint committee and a thorough demarcation exercise to identify unauthorized structures.
NGT's Initial Response and Future Hearing
In response to the application, the National Green Tribunal has taken the first procedural step by ordering the issuance of formal notices to all respondents named in the case. The Tribunal has also directed that copies of all documents filed by the applicant be served to the respondents. This legal process will now move forward, with the matter scheduled for a substantive hearing on April 8, 2026. The case brings into sharp focus the critical conflict between unchecked commercial development and the urgent need to preserve ecologically sensitive wetlands, especially those with international Ramsar status.
