Exploring the East Kolkata Wetlands: Learning Beyond the Classroom

The students stepped out of the classroom and into the living landscape of the East Kolkata Wetlands—an extraordinary ecosystem where nature and human life exist side by side in remarkable harmony. Spreading across nearly 12,500 hectares, the wetlands quietly perform the vital work of naturally treating a large part of Kolkata’s sewage and are recognised as a Ramsar site of international importance.

Organised in collaboration with the Disappearing Dialogue team, the visit became a meaningful learning journey as students were guided through both the ecological and social stories of the wetlands. Through open conversations and hands-on exploration, they learned about Jalbhoomi Utsav, traditional livelihoods rooted in fisheries and agriculture, and the rich biodiversity that thrives in this unique environment.

More than just a field visit, the experience helped students connect what they learn in classrooms to real-world environmental practices. The visit sparked curiosity, strengthened environmental awareness, and helped students see how closely communities and ecology are intertwined—leaving them with insights that will stay with them long after the day ended.