Face to face

These are excerpts from an interview with Mohit Ray, co-founder of Vasundhara, a self-funded citizens group, actively involved in the protection of urban and semi-urban waterbodies in and around Kolkata. For details: www.vasundhara.cjb.net

Q What are the major constraints in the protection of urban waterbodies in and around Kolkata?
A Lack of reliable information on the actual number of waterbodies, its users, water quality etc, crop up as a major constraint. Non-existent urban planning and a strong nexus between builders and politicians are a major threat for the citizen’s group fighting for their protection.

Q With growing urbanisation, is it feasible to protect these waterbodies?
AYes. Several community organisations are actively conserving these waterbodies without any external funding. Many of them are extensively used for fish farming thus, providing livelihood and employment. Some waterbodies are linked with temples, fairs – constituting an important part of local cultural milieu. They keep the temperature low, while recharging the groundwater. Vasundhara has been a part of this movement by providing technical guidance and information dissemination. We are not only publishing Annual Environmental Survey of Kolkata but have developed a laboratory – ensuring easy accessibility and relatively low rates.

Q Does the recent announcement by the chief minister to frame an umbrella act for the protection of urban waterbodiies hold any weight?
A The debate has been buried for the time being. As crore of rupees are involved in filling up of these waterbodies, the problem will persist. Last year, the Chairman of Dumdum Municipality was murdered on this issue. He was a leading member of the ruling party. Moreover, I think policy and actual implementation of laws are two separate matters.

Q Can National Lake’s Conservation Policy effectively addresses this issue?
A The urban and semi-urban waterbodies are different from the national lakes. Thus, the policies should also be different.

Q Why is filing public interest litigation for the protection of urban waterbodies, a popular readdressal tool?
A Courts come into the picture when executives fail to do their duties. In West Bengal, filling up waterbodies is already banned, under Inland Fisheries Act. But its effective implementation needs active participation from the people and government. On June 16, Vasundhara along with several pond committees celebrated wetland day and it was heartening to see that after a few days one committee came to us for consultation. On July 28, they organised a mass meeting, where a number of such committees were present. It is a new and encouraging development. I am convinced that people’s participation is a extremely powerful tool.

"Rock is money", said senior representative from Riker, one of the three companies operating in the area. "It would be nice if it wasn’t under Everglades, but we go where the rock is." It appears, that the government too, is ready to follow them.