Kolkata's Santragachhi Jheel Pollution Control Project Advances Amid Challenges
The West Bengal government has provided a detailed update to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the ongoing pollution abatement project at Santragachhi Jheel in Howrah. According to the affidavit submitted by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, the comprehensive initiative is progressing steadily, with approximately 22% of the work completed to date. The entire project, which includes a sewage treatment plant (STP) and garland drain system, is now targeted for completion by August 31.
Project Scope and Implementation Details
The ambitious undertaking, officially titled Pollution Abatement at Santragachhi Jheel, encompasses multiple critical components:
- Interception and diversion network for sewage management
- Construction of a modern pumping station
- Establishment of a comprehensive sewage treatment plant
- Development of an extensive garland drain system around the wetland
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is spearheading the implementation with an approved budget of Rs 28.8 crore. This response comes in compliance with the NGT's February 14, 2025 order, addressing concerns raised by environmental activist Subhas Datta regarding irreversible pollution from continuous municipal and railway sewage inflow into the ecologically sensitive wetland.
Construction Progress and Technical Developments
Project execution commenced following the work order issued on August 12, 2024, with an initial timeline of two years for completion. The construction timeline reveals significant milestones:
- Site cleaning and topographical surveys initiated on August 23, 2024
- South Eastern Railway provided access to the STP site on November 25, 2024
- Construction activities began immediately following site access
- As of January 2, 350 meters of the planned 2,046-meter gravity pipeline has been laid
- Thirteen manholes have been successfully constructed
Current construction activities include ongoing work on the waste stabilization pond-type STP, simultaneous road restoration efforts, and the building of gully pits. Technical refinements are also underway, with revised drawings for both the gravity pipeline and STP design submitted by project consultant DS Consortium. These designs are currently undergoing thorough vetting by Jadavpur University experts to ensure optimal environmental and engineering standards.
Coordination Challenges and Administrative Responses
Despite steady progress, the project has encountered specific challenges requiring administrative intervention. The most significant bottleneck involves delays in obtaining permissions from South Eastern Railway for laying sections of the garland drain on the northern side of the jheel. In response to this obstacle:
- Reminder letters have been formally issued to railway authorities
- KMDA has been directed to escalate the matter to higher levels of railway administration
- The Howrah district administration maintains continuous project monitoring
- A coordination meeting chaired by the District Magistrate on December 15, 2025 resolved to intensify monitoring mechanisms
The December meeting specifically focused on addressing issues slowing project execution while ensuring seamless coordination among all stakeholders involved in this critical environmental initiative.
Complementary Conservation and Community Initiatives
Parallel to the infrastructure development, multiple complementary measures are being implemented to protect Santragachhi Jheel's ecological integrity. The Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) has undertaken several proactive steps:
- Regular cleaning of municipal solid waste in and around the wetland area
- Installation of large blue bins at strategic intervals
- Implementation of routine road sweeping schedules
- Execution of public awareness campaigns about wetland conservation
In a significant development for habitat preservation, HMC approached the West Bengal Biodiversity Board for vegetation management support. The Board responded positively, sanctioning Rs 9.43 lakh in December 2025 for the Vegetation Management of Santragachi Jheel project. This initiative will be implemented through Nature Mates–Nature Club to ensure suitable conditions for migratory birds during winter seasons.
Innovative Waste Utilization and Project Oversight
An innovative approach to waste management has emerged through collaboration between the District Rural Development Cell, Howrah and NGO Samajik Pahal Foundation. This partnership explores creative utilization of water hyacinth removed from the jheel, transforming the invasive species into handicrafts through several self-help groups operating under the Anandadhara scheme.
The NGT has disposed of the related miscellaneous application after reviewing affidavits submitted by multiple stakeholders including the Chief Secretary, KMDA, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, HMC, and South Eastern Railway. However, the tribunal issued a clear directive emphasizing the importance of timely project completion and implementation of sustained pollution prevention measures to protect this vital wetland ecosystem that serves as a major habitat for migratory birds.
