Optimizing wetland ecosystem service : an institutional analysis and economic assessment of unburdening the east Kolkata wetlands

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the socio-political cause of capacity issues of the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), a unique ecosystem that processes the city's sewage, enabling food production and supporting over 118,000 livelihoods. The EKW processes sewage over their carrying capacity, leading to higher level of contaminants in the fish and crops. The study delves into the root cause of the excess sewage influx, and the power dynamics influencing these factors. Utilizing the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, it uncovers that the local community of farmers and fishermen are largely excluded from the land-use decision-making process, leading to an unsustainable intake of sewage and declining wetland quality. Furthermore, the research reveals policy issues hindering community participation in resource governance, under the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Act. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable, inclusive strategies to relieve the wetland's strain, proposing a solution and estimating its financial implications.