Introduction
During British colonial rule in India, a systematic attempt was made to study, classify, and control nature, especially in growing urban centers like Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). As the capital of British India until 1911, Kolkata was not only a center for governance and commerce but also a site for applying colonial scientific knowledge systems to manage urban ecology.
The colonial approach to environmental management in Kolkata was based on Western science, surveillance, and exploitation, rather than indigenous understanding. This led to environmental transformation as well as ecological imbalance in several cases.
1. Understanding the Colonial Knowledge System
The colonial knowledge system refers to the use of European science, cartography, statistical surveys, and institutionalized research to govern and control colonized territories. In Kolkata, this system was applied to understand and reshape its landscape, sanitation, water supply, and vegetation.
A. Scientific Surveys and Mapping
- The British carried out topographical surveys and land records to map the city and surrounding marshlands.
- The Survey of India played a crucial role in designing Kolkata’s layout and reclaiming swampy lands.
B. Botanical and Agricultural Experiments
- Botanical gardens, such as the Indian Botanical Garden (founded in 1787) in Shibpur, were created to study plants and experiment with commercial crops.
- The focus was on introducing European species and controlling native vegetation.
2. Ecological Management Initiatives in Colonial Kolkata
A. Drainage and Sanitation
- To counter the frequent outbreaks of cholera and malaria, the colonial administration undertook extensive drainage projects.
- Swamps were drained, and canals were built to control waterlogging and improve sanitation.
- While these efforts improved public health in some areas, they also altered the natural hydrology.
B. Urban Planning and Green Spaces
- Parks and gardens were developed following European designs, reflecting colonial aesthetics of order and control over nature.
- Example: The Victoria Memorial gardens and Dalhousie Square.
C. Management of River Ecology
- The Hooghly River was regulated through embankments and dredging to support navigation and trade.
- However, these interventions disrupted traditional fishing practices and riverbank ecology.
3. Negative Impacts of Colonial Ecological Management
| Impact | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of Wetlands | Large tracts of marshland were drained, reducing natural flood buffers. |
| Marginalization of Indigenous Knowledge | Local water management and health practices were ignored. |
| Environmental Inequity | Sanitation improvements were concentrated in British areas, while native neighborhoods remained neglected. |
Example:
- The East Kolkata Wetlands, now a Ramsar site, were historically seen as waste lands and targeted for development, despite their ecological importance.
4. Colonial Scientific Institutions in Kolkata
- Asiatic Society (Founded 1784) – Promoted scientific research and environmental documentation.
- Indian Museum (1814) – Housed collections on natural history and colonial conquests over nature.
- Geological and Botanical Surveys – Created to classify resources for exploitation and policy decisions.
5. Conclusion
The colonial knowledge system in Kolkata was designed to support British administrative, military, and commercial goals, often at the cost of local ecological balance and traditional knowledge systems. While it introduced modern infrastructure and public health measures, it also caused irreversible environmental changes and social inequalities.
A critical evaluation of this history can inform modern urban planning, emphasizing the need for sustainable, inclusive, and ecologically sensitive development in Indian cities today.
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