Howrah’s fight for its wilderness
A passionate group of environmentalists come together to save the biodiversity of Howrah district in West Bengal.
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When Howrah Jela Jautha Paribesh Mancha began its mission in 2017, it started with just a few dedicated environmentalists in the Howrah district, nestled beside the Ganges River and just outside Kolkata. Despite being a non-forest area, Howrah boasts remarkable biodiversity, thanks to its river-laden landscape, which includes the Ganges to the south and the Damodar River in the north.
Once a part of the lower Gangetic delta, Howrah’s wetlands are home to a rich array of wildlife. This includes numerous reptiles, birds, turtles, and mammals, such as the fishing cat—the state animal of West Bengal, known for its underwater hunting skills. Unfortunately, this unique species, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, faces a high risk of extinction. The region is also inhabited by rare turtles, snakes, birds, Asian palm civets, mongooses, and the endangered porcupine.
However, rapid urbanisation is threatening this fragile ecosystem. The wetlands’ natural characteristics are deteriorating as the urban sprawl consumes the habitat. Pollution from nearby factories is contaminating the water, killing the microorganisms essential to the aquatic food chain. This has led to a sharp decline in fish populations, which in turn affects the mammals, birds, and reptiles that rely on them for sustenance.
Additionally, human-animal conflicts, poaching, and wildlife trafficking exacerbate the crisis. The fishing cat, resembling a tiger, is often killed by villagers mistaking it for a real tiger, or by fish farmers who see it as a threat to their livelihood. Rare animals are trafficked for their high market value, and unplanned road development results in fatal accidents for wildlife.
In response to these challenges, Howrah Jela Jautha Paribesh Mancha has been at the forefront of conservation efforts. The organisation conducts wildlife rescues, organises awareness campaigns, and builds a network of 100-plus volunteers trained in handling wildlife. Supported by the forest department, these dedicated individuals navigate treacherous landscapes, confront hostile conditions, and face aggressive poachers and wildlife traffickers to protect the delicate balance of their ecosystem.
Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for successful human-animal coexistence and offering a model for conservation practices across the country.
