A petition by Kolkata’s environmental activist Subhas Datta has been filed with the National Green Tribunal to save Cameron Wetlands in Begusarai district. This is known as the largest Asian oxbow lake.
Specify a Ramsar wetlandKabaltar wetlands It has been a designated migratory bird sanctuary since 1989. pollute.
Mr. Datta, who has done extensive documentation of wetland degradation, cautioned that this priceless ecosystem could be lost forever if timely help was not forthcoming.
The submissions were made to Justice B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Arun Sharma (Expert Member) of the NGT Eastern District Bench, who said encroachments by agriculture, development cases, human settlements and industrial activities have greatly reduced its carrying capacity.
This area is significant in terms of water catchment for rainwater For about 3 million inhabitants depend on it for drinking purposes
However, he stressed that without any comprehensive management plan to conserve and exploit properly this heritage and geographical treasure this vital resource may be lost forever.
Although it was declared a bird sanctuary 35 years ago no action plan has ever been put into practice He complained that recent activities such as blocking of water sources through damming and channeling had worsened the situation further.
According to the petition large numbers of buildings including big temples complexes police posts are being constructed in areas having forest cover resulting huge pressure on this ecological system
There is an inadequate solid waste management system or sewerage treatment plant leading to tonnes of garbage generated every day during the peak season when thousands of pilgrims congregate here at Kabatal dham temple alone.“Thousands of pilgrims visit every day producing’ lots ….” “No proper solid waste and sewage systems are available.”
Freshwater quality is polluted due to industrial activities like brick kilns or various other non-forestry operations which discharge their waste into these streams.
Plastic materials, non-biodegradable waste, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are widely used during intensive farming activities which further pollute water bodies and pose as serious threats to marine biodiversity.
The wetland is composed of 16-17 independent water bodies; these actions have destroyed its hydrological connectivity.
Mr. Datta said all human factors need to be addressed in line with Wetland Rules 2017 (Protect and Manage).
It has also rapidly dried up due to agriculture conversion and land grabbing, especially on the western side. The rate of drying doubled between 1976 and 2017.
Datta believed that if this continued unaltered, the future of this ecologically sensitive area would be lost along with the catchment area for this important bird sanctuary
The plea by Datta calls for urgent action to protect Kabatal Wetlands’ biodiversity, flora and fauna.
“Allowing current illegal activities to continue will endanger this ecologically fragile area and threaten the future of this important bird sanctuary and catchment,” Datta said.
