Kolkata: Following the NGT ’s latest directive, allowing KMDA to conduct mechanical dredging in selected water bodies at Rabindra Sarobar, the state agency has sought technical assistance from Jadavpur University experts to come up with a report on eco-friendly process.
Rabindra Sarobar is an artificial lake formed about 100 years ago.
We have requested the JU authorities to send us a report on how the dredging can be carried out in an eco-friendly manner, keeping the lake’s rich biodiversity intact,” said a KMDA official. Among the directives given by NGT, KMDA has been told to take measures to prevent excessive growth of aquatic weeds and hyacinth, especially in the public pool and Padmapukur. Silt, sediments and non-biodegradable materials have accumulated on the bed over the years,” said an official.
KMDA, the custodian of Rabindra Sarobar, will launch the project in a particular portion of the Lake, which will soon be identified. “There are five to six segments of the water body, where heavy sedimentation has formed. These portions will soon be identified for mechanical dredging and a pilot project will be taken up in one specific place. KMDA has been allowed mechanical dredging in some portions to remove heavy sedimentation on the bed. KMDA has also been directed to carry out manual de-siltation along the periphery of the lake and to ensure year-long manual cleaning of floating materials. “Dredging and proper year-long maintenance are essential.
The study showed that the mean depth of the water body had reduced from 3.6 m to 3 m while shallow zones (less than 2 m) expanded from about 18% to 28% of the total area from 2005 to 2025. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news. The changes were most notable in the northern part, inlet zones and central margins of the lake. Download the TOI App.
Earlier, KMDA had engaged the School of Water Resources Engineering, JU, to conduct a bathymetric survey of the Lake.