Adi Ganga's Troubled Waters

BJP MLA Swapan Dasgupta has launched a campaign to restore the Adi Ganga, a historic channel of the Ganges now polluted by waste in Kolkata. Decades of neglect, illegal construction, and infrastructure work like Metro building have damaged the 15.5 km waterway through the city. Dasgupta's plan includes tackling pollution, clearing illegal structures, and dredging the river. He highlights the Adi Ganga's importance near the Kalighat temple, seeking to restore its ecological function and navigability. Experts like Mohit Roy suggest controlling waste dumping and encroachment could help. However, a Kolkata Municipal Corporation official noted that past funding, like an Rs 800 crore World Bank allocation for the Namami Gange project, failed due to poor political will and administration.

Revitalizing a Historic Transit System

Dasgupta also aims to revive Kolkata's iconic tram system, which has drastically reduced service. Once a vast network covering over 450 trams on 50 routes, trams now operate on only a few lines. Transport expert Bhargav Mitra from IIT Kharagpur believes modernization and integration with other transport options are key to a sustainable system. Mitra suggests that technical studies could unlock the tram's potential as an energy-efficient transport solution. The decline is partly blamed on past governments considering tram depot land for real estate development to ease financial pressure.

Restoring Rabindra Sarovar's Ecological Balance

Conserving the 73-acre Rabindra Sarovar lake is another major part of Dasgupta's agenda. Concerns exist about the lake's shrinking water levels and its low green score compared to other Indian cities. Declared a national lake in 1997, Dasgupta plans to find out why water levels are dropping, fight pollution and encroachment, and implement long-term conservation. He has also pointed out how excessive lighting harms the lake's wildlife. An urban development official, however, stated that water level drops are natural, due to evaporation and rainfall, not groundwater pumping. Jadavpur University experts have recommended dredging, with the National Green Tribunal awaiting further reports. Groundwater expert Pradip Sikdar noted the lake's base generally prevents leaks, though a thin clay layer on the west side could be a risk.

Broader Urban Environmental Context

Dasgupta's efforts are part of a larger plan to improve Kolkata's urban environment and public services. Focusing on water bodies, public transport, and green spaces shows an ambitious attempt to solve long-standing environmental issues. The MLA plans to use court rulings, seek various funding sources, and apply technical solutions for a comprehensive improvement in the city's ecology and residents' lives.