Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Kolkata's historic waterways face encroachment and pollution
Kolkata once had a network of canals and creeks that were important for trade and drainage.
Over time, many of these waterways have been filled up or polluted.
Chitpore Creek, Kestopur Canal, Creek Row, and Adi Ganga are examples of these historic waterways that are now facing problems.
Experts say that encroachment and pollution are the biggest threats to these canals.
They believe that people need to understand the importance of these waterways to protect them.
Kolkata's historic waterways, once vital for trade and drainage, are now encroached upon and polluted.
Chitpore Creek, a natural waterway, is now clogged with waste and pollution.
Kestopur Canal, a major drainage channel, faces severe encroachment, causing waterlogging in Salt Lake and Sector V.
Creek Row, named after a vanished creek, still experiences severe waterlogging after heavy rain.
Adi Ganga, a major distributary of the Hooghly, is now heavily polluted due to waste dumping and untreated sewage.
- Who
- Residents of Kolkata, urban developers, environmentalists
- What
- Encroachment and pollution of historic waterways in Kolkata
- When
- Historically significant waterways have been degraded over centuries, with recent severe encroachment
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- Urban development, lack of maintenance, and pollution have led to the degradation of these waterways.
Urban Development
Environmental Conservation
Encroachment for Infrastructure
Urban Development
Encroachment is necessary for urban development and infrastructure expansion.
Environmental Conservation
Encroachment leads to the degradation of natural waterways and increased flooding risks.
Pollution Management
Urban Development
Pollution is an inevitable byproduct of urbanization and industrial activities.
Environmental Conservation
Pollution must be controlled to preserve the ecological balance and public health.
- Chitpore Creek
- Once a natural waterway, now clogged with waste and pollution.
- Kestopur Canal
- A major drainage channel facing severe encroachment.
- Creek Row
- A road named after a vanished creek, still prone to waterlogging.
- Adi Ganga
- A major distributary of the Hooghly, now heavily polluted.
- Sukrit Sen
- Heritage and disaster management professional advocating for canal preservation.