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West Bengal East Calcutta Wetlands
These wetlands are also popularly referred to as the East Kolkata Wetlands. They are made up of many complex natural as well as man-made wetlands which are all situated to the east of Kolkata city West Bengal in India. These wetlands sprawl over an area of 125 square kilometers. These wetlands comprise of salt meadows and salt estuary and also settling ponds and sewage farms. They help in treating Kolkata's sewage, and the nutrients contained in the waste water help the fist to survive.
East Calcutta Wetlands expanse is undoubtedly the world's biggest wetland area located in the urban metropolis. They are also popularly known as Dhapa
History
As it is said the history of any place lies in the place and its surroundings and it is history which makes a place popular. This is equally true for these wetlands also which is a historical site.
It was Dr. Dhrubajyoti Ghosh who gave the region its name. He reached this beautiful but neglected part of the city. Such wetlands were devised by the local fishermen and farmers for serving as the natural sewage treatment plant for the city. They are also host to the largest sewage fed aquaculture in the world.
Attractions
Every city has some or the other attractions and this is also true for these wetlands. It is the attractions surrounding the place which gives the place its popularity.
Flora
In these wetlands you will come across 100 different types of plant species. These range from cryptocoryene Sagittaria montividensis, crostichum aureum, ciliata, cyperus spp, lpomoea aquatica etc.
Lots of water hyacinths can be seen growing all over these wetlands. These are used by the local farmers and fishermen to create a buffer between the water and land and also as water to minimize erosion.
You will also come across many coconut and betel nut trees. All sorts of vegetables are farmed here. You will also come across large tracts of land which have been earmarked for paddy cultivation.
Fauna
Many different types of fish are farmed in these wetlands. You will also come across marsh mongoose and small Indian mongoose. Roughly 20 different types of mammals are reported from this region. Snakes are also seen in the East Calcutta Wetland.
When as a traveler you visit East Kolkata Wetlands and Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, they are considered to be the best national parks near Kolkata. A famous one is the Bibhuti Bhushan Wildlife Sanctuary near Ranaghat and also the Ramnabagan Wildlife Sanctuary in Bardhaman.
Local Attractions
Energy Education Park
This park is considered to be a new concept which has been aimed to arouse awareness amongst the people with regards to the usage of conventional and non conventional resources. It has been conceptualized by West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA). You can see the park situated on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass Road. The park is sprawled over an area of t 1.5 acres.
Park Street
Park Street is officially known as Mother Teresa Sarani and was previously a Burial Ground street. It is a street in the city of Kolkata. It runs through a deer park of Sir Elijah Impey, hence its earlier name. The place got its existing name from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in honor of Mother Teresa.
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) falls under the National Council of Science Museums [NCSM] and is situated near Gurusaday road, Kolkata.
Birla Mandir
Birla Temple is a Hindu temple and is a temple which has been built by the Birla family. The temple is thronged with visitors on Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna who come to pay their respect to the deities.
How to Reach
In order to enjoy the beauty of a place you must also be able to reach it easily and conveniently. This is also equally true with this Lake which has all modes of transport available.
In order to reach East Calcutta Wetlands there are many local buses, metered taxis and mini buses which you can easily get from all parts of the city. You can also make use of shared auto rickshaws which are also available.
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