Numbers
3,500
Total Area (In Hector)
14,000
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: carps, catfish, indigenous fish species
Birds: herons, egrets, kingfishers, migratory ducks
Notable species:
Fishing Cat (State animal)
Lesser adjutant stork, osprey, marsh harrier
Amphibians: frogs, toads
Aquatic plants: lotus, water hyacinth, reeds
Ecosystem Services
Flood control & drainage (Ganga floodplain)
Groundwater recharge
Fisheries & aquaculture (major livelihood)
Water purification & nutrient cycling
Carbon sequestration in marshlands
Seasonal Hydrology
Influenced by: Hooghly River, Damodar distributaries and canals
Monsoon: Wetlands expand significantly
Dry season: Reduction but many remain perennial due to aquaculture
Formation of oxbow lakes and floodplain wetlands, Strong river–floodplain interaction
Socio Economic Importance
Major hub for fish production & aquaculture economy
Provides irrigation water for intensive agriculture
Supports rural livelihoods & local markets
Wetlands used for:
Pisciculture
Domestic water use
Important in urban drainage (Dankuni–industrial belt)
Wetland Converted
Urbanization (Dankuni, Serampore, Chandannagar)
Industrial pollution & wastewater discharge
Encroachment and land filling
Conversion to aquaculture ponds (intensive use)
Name of Wetlands
Information
Tribeni Wetland System
Tribeni Wetland System is a cluster of wetlands located near the confluence of major river channels in Hooghly district. These wetlands are influenced by river dynamics and seasonal flooding, supporting a rich diversity of fish, birds, and aquatic plants. They play a significant role in flood regulation, water storage, and groundwater recharge. The wetlands are also important for fisheries and local livelihoods. However, urbanization, industrial discharge, and waste pollution from nearby settlements are major threats, affecting their ecological integrity and long-term sustainability.
Balagarh floodplain wetlands
Balagarh floodplain wetlands are seasonal wetlands formed along the Hooghly River and its distributaries. These wetlands expand during monsoon flooding and provide fertile conditions for agriculture through nutrient-rich sediment deposition. They support fish, amphibians, birds, and aquatic vegetation, contributing to biodiversity. The wetlands are important for irrigation, fisheries, and local livelihoods. They also help in flood control and groundwater recharge. However, increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, pollution, and land-use changes is gradually impacting their ecological health and sustainability.
Hooghly River floodplain wetlands
Hooghly River floodplain wetlands are dynamic ecosystems formed by the river’s meandering and seasonal flooding. These wetlands include oxbow lakes, marshes, and low-lying areas that expand during the monsoon and shrink in dry seasons. They support diverse fish, bird, and plant species, contributing to regional biodiversity. These wetlands play an important role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and nutrient cycling. They are also vital for agriculture and fisheries, sustaining local livelihoods. However, pollution, encroachment, and river regulation activities are affecting their ecological balance.
Dankuni Wetlands
Dankuni Wetlands are one of the largest marshland ecosystems in Hooghly district, located near an industrial and urban belt. These wetlands consist of low-lying marshes, waterlogged areas, and ponds that support rich biodiversity, including fish, amphibians, birds, and aquatic plants. They play a crucial role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and water purification. The wetlands also provide habitat for species like the fishing cat and migratory birds. However, rapid urbanization, industrial pollution, and land encroachment pose significant threats, making conservation efforts critically important.