State’s wetlands under threat, damaging ecosystem
The Statesman|October 17, 2023
A recent comprehensive survey conducted across 13 lakes in Bengal has revealed a dire situation for the region's wetland ecosystems. The study, focusing on wetland health, ecological risks, and ecosystem services, has highlighted alarming trends caused by human activities and urbanization.
State’s wetlands under threat, damaging ecosystem

In the heart of this crisis lies Murshidabad district, a biodiversity hub, where 45 crucial bills supporting plant and aquatic life are now overrun by invasive aquatic weeds. The disruption of the natural balance, compounded by factors like silt accumulation and changing river courses, poses a significant threat to these fragile ecosystems.

Bengal, home to approximately 150 natural wetlands, with Murshidabad hosting the highest number, is facing a crisis. Historically, these wetlands have been vital, supporting plant and aquatic life, and providing essential ecosystem services. However, over half of these wetlands have now been overrun by aquatic weeds, disrupting the delicate ecological balance.

This story is from the October 17, 2023 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 17, 2023 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STATESMANView All
'Sheeshmahal' row: AAP vs BJP over media tour of Chief Minister home
The Statesman

'Sheeshmahal' row: AAP vs BJP over media tour of Chief Minister home

Amid ongoing row over 'Sheesh \"clear Mahal', the AAP leaders on Wednesday got into a standoff with police outside the Delhi CM's residence with the BJP dubbing it as a display of anarchy\".

time-read
2 mins  |
January 09, 2025
The Statesman

Trudeau Resigns

Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canada's Prime Minister marks the close of an era that began with immense hope but ended amid growing challenges and dissatisfaction.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 09, 2025
Boon or Bane?
The Statesman

Boon or Bane?

Plato’s epic The Republic’ tells the story of two mythical city-states: one believes in moderation while the other believes in consumerism. Unable to sustain its large population, the second city-state casts avaricious eyes on its neighbouring territories, plunging the country into war. Read US and China for the second city-state, and the analogy is complete. The question Plato raised is the essence of the population debate of today: Is human population the issue, or is it the resources it consumes?

time-read
6 mins  |
January 09, 2025
The Statesman

Return to roots

SIR, This refers to \"Teachings that transcend time and geography\" by Narayanan Kizhumundayur, published today.

time-read
1 min  |
January 09, 2025
India must embrace green hydrogen
The Statesman

India must embrace green hydrogen

The global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high in 2024.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 09, 2025
Delivered less than he promised
The Statesman

Delivered less than he promised

Belying expectations, the outgoing Chief Justice of India has left behind a mixed legacy, says ASHOK KAPUR

time-read
8 mins  |
January 09, 2025
BGT: SCG pitch earns ICC approval amid criticism
The Statesman

BGT: SCG pitch earns ICC approval amid criticism

The pitch for the fifth and final Test gets 'satisfactory' rating despite being a graveyard for batters

time-read
3 mins  |
January 09, 2025
The Statesman

Konstas opens up on rows with Kohli, Bumrah during BGT

Sam Konstas' on-field confrontations with India's talismanic duo of Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah in his debut series certainly helped him become an overnight sensation with his social media numbers storming by 30,000 per cent.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 09, 2025
'Sportswashing' a dismal rights record
The Statesman

'Sportswashing' a dismal rights record

FIFA's decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia raises ethical questions, says Keith Rathbone

time-read
4 mins  |
January 09, 2025
India's gold imports turn out to be $5 billion lower in Nov, trade deficit narrows
The Statesman

India's gold imports turn out to be $5 billion lower in Nov, trade deficit narrows

The government has scaled down its estimate of gold imports for November 2024 to $9.84 billion from the preliminary estimate of $14.86 billion announced last month, data compiled by the Commerce Ministry's Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics showed on Wednesday.

time-read
1 min  |
January 09, 2025