Understanding the socio-ecological impact of urbanization in the transformation of lakes and wetlands - a case studu of east Kolkata wetlands, West Bengal

Auddy, Madhureema (2020) Understanding the socio-ecological impact of urbanization in the transformation of lakes and wetlands - a case studu of east Kolkata wetlands, West Bengal. Students’ Journal of Education and Development (6). pp. 45-65.

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Abstract

Urban commons including wetlands constitute important socio-ecological systems providing valuable ecosystem services. However, unplanned rapid urbanization has resulted in largescale decline and transformation of commons, adversely affecting the traditional and vulnerable users. East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), a network of natural and manmade wetlands, constitutes an important but neglected ecosystem of Kolkata on its eastern fringe. Traditionally maintained by the conventional scientific wisdom of the urban poor, EKW provides a range of valuable ecosystem services. Often considered as the kidneys of Kolkata, the dual benefits of natural sewage treatment of Kolkata, and wastewater fed aquaculture, thereby ensuring livelihood of thousands, makes EKW indeed a unique system. Rapid urban sprawl, constant pressure from real estate have brought about significant changes in the system, its use and management leading to large-scale shrinkage over the years thereby threatening its ecosystem services. In the process of such transformation, the study examines the perceptions of different stakeholders of EKW over the value of wetland, their response to such change and its impact on human-water resource relationship.

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Articles in APF Magazines

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Auddy, Madhureema

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