Deep in the heart of West Bengal (India) lies the area known as Falta (approximately 55km from Kolkata). This area is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which was set up by the Government of India in the year 1984; in fact, Falta was the first SEZ in India. A SEZ is a particular area in the state which acts as foreign territory for tariff and trade operations, which are more favourable that in other areas. Falta is home to many operational units such as, Daga Nylomet Pvt. Ltd. (Aluminium Disposable unit), Trishan Exports (Trading Unit), M.P. Industries (Umbrella Components, Umbrella Acrylic Coated Fabrics), Gupta Infotech (Compact Fluorescent Lamp Emergency Light), National Industries (Jute Shopping Hand Bag, Readymade Garments, Nylon, PVC, HDPE Bags, etc), S.R. Enterprise (Recycling, Sorting Processing of ferrous & non-ferrous Metal scrap & export of quality Scrap, unit). The area of Nainan (Ramnagar, PS) in Falta, located in the southernmost part of the South 24 Parganas district, near Diamond Harbour, on the bank of the river Ganga, not far from where it joins the Bay of Bengal.
Here lies a particularly dense forest area compared to other parts along the river at Falta, widely covered in flora and fauna which not only act as a buffer zone to protect the land and surrounding areas from violent river winds and currents thus preventing soil erosion, it is also a well known picnic spot. This tract of woods (approximately 10 acres) is now facing the threat of non existence, from what has been described by the locals as a proposed ship yard of a Kolkata company.
Construction of a wall around the site has commenced and it is only a matter of time before the trees are felled. On speaking to construction workers at the site, what the forest department is doing to keep trees from being felled, one worker said “the land belongs to the government; the forest department itself will be doing the cutting”. According to them, and the locals, the ship yard/company is being promoted by Ravinder Pal Singh, the nephew of the Prime Minister. Some believe it is not a just a ship yard, “They will be making guest houses also,” said one of the locals, “and there will be a picnic spot”.
The future of what is being constructed at the Nainan woods is unclear. But what is clear, is that trees will continue to be chopped, and the homes of many rare insects, birds and animals will be destroyed. The people, who would frequent the area to picnic, will no longer be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the woods nearby, unless, of course, the alleged resort is built.
What is scary, are media reports of a large number of units at the SEZ failed over the years, and many more are sick. What happens if this project winds up the same way? The trees can’t be put back in a hurry! Was it not possible to build the factory on land which is already vacant – there is plenty at the SEZ.
“Who will speak for the trees? Can we just sit back and watch the green gone?” asks environmentalist, Val Xavier. In this case, can’t we? Spread the word and maybe the forest will be allowed to keep going green.
