East Calcutta Wetlands

Why in news?

• Urban local bodies (ULB) were warned of punishment by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for failing to comply with its order over waste disposal at the internationally acclaimed East Kolkata Wetlands.
• They were accused of illegally dumping waste and contaminating water bodies in the area.

About the Wetlands:

• The East Calcutta Wetlands are a complex of natural and human-made wetlands lying east of the city of Calcutta (Kolkata) in West Bengal.
•  The wetlands cover 125 square kilometres and include salt marshes, as well as agricultural fields, sewage farms and settling ponds.
• The wetlands are also used to treat Kolkata's sewage, and the nutrients contained in the wastewater sustain fish farms and agriculture.
• Devised by local fishermen and farmers, these wetlands served, in effect, as the natural sewage treatment plant for the city.
• The East Kolkata Wetlands host the largest sewage fed aquaculture in the world.
• East Calcutta Wetlands are designated a "wetland of international importance" under the Ramsar Convention.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding” East Calcutta Wetlands”:
1.It is designated as “Wetland of international importance” under Ramsar convention.
2.The wetlands are used to treat Kolkata's sewage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2 
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question