Kolkata: The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has taken all possible measures to prevent erosion of the four islands on Rabindra Sarobar lake in South Kolkata. There are four islands on the large waterbody, which were found to be shrinking due to the dual effect of no boundary surrounding the islands and the loss of tree cover.
The islands are inaccessible for common public and the job of protecting the islands rest with KMDA, which is the custodian of the sprawling waterbody.
"We have already piled saal logs along the edge of the islands and have dumped huge quantities of earth to rebuild the banks and prevent water from gnawing at them. Trees that are known to prevent soil erosion like Hijal, Pakur and Aswattha have been planted on the islands," said a senior official of KMDA who looks after the maintenance of Rabindra Sarobar. Conserving the biodiversity of the lake has assumed prime importance in recent times, with the National Green Tribunal keeping a hawk eye on its upkeep.
Efforts have also been made to present a colourful look to the islands and for that purpose, KMDA has planted Radhachura, Krishnachura, Palash, Kathalichapa and similar species of trees.
In recent times, the number of migratory birds to the islands have dwindled with the loss of tree cover and lack of proper nesting place for the avians. Fruit bearing trees like guava, papaya and jamrul have been planted to attract the birds.
"We have also thwarted the attempts of some urchins venturing into the islands swimming across the lake and stealing juvenile birds from their nests, by strengthening the security of the islands," the official added.
KMDA has taken the opinion of the Botanical Survey of India, while increasing the green cover of the four islands.
It may be mentioned that among the four islands on the Lake, the only one accessible to the public houses a mosque.