Canals as green lungs
Since the 1990s, we have observed a rapid change in the urban landscape of Kolkata and the most significant impact has been in areas with extensive water bodies. In addition to the reducing surface water landscape in the city, there has been a considerable deterioration in the condition of the water bodies which thereby has led to the decline of the drainage and sewage system. Notable among these is the Adi Ganga – Tolly’s Nullah stretch, which continues to be the backbone of city’s drainage system. The ‘khal’ or canal system of the city was once integral to the life…