Home / Environment / Kolkata Lake Faces Urgent Clean-Up Mandate
Kolkata Lake Faces Urgent Clean-Up Mandate
29 Aug
Summary
- KMDA tasked with creating a year-long maintenance SOP.
- Remedial measures to prevent bank erosion and weed growth ordered.
- Manual de-siltation and cleaning regime to be implemented.
The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has been instructed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to establish a year-long maintenance and cleanliness plan for Rabindra Sarobar's water bodies. This plan will include a standard operating procedure (SOP) and remedial measures to address environmental concerns.
The NGT has directed KMDA to implement strategies to control the excessive growth of aquatic weeds and hyacinth, particularly in the public pool and Padmapukur. Measures to combat bank erosion on islands, such as planting specific flora, are also required.
Furthermore, the authority must undertake manual de-siltation of exposed areas during dry seasons and maintain a rigorous schedule for manually cleaning floating debris throughout the year. Mechanical dredging will also be conducted in selected sections to remove significant sedimentation. This comprehensive approach is deemed essential for the long-term health of the artificial lake, which is showing signs of deterioration due to accumulated silt and debris over its approximately 100-year existence.
