Urban Waterways in Sustainable Development – Ensuring Cultural Tourism through Existing Heritage in Kolkata

Abstract

The city of Kolkata is located on the Gangetic delta in the banks of river Hooghly. Since its inception - the city witnessed its growth through diversity of events from being the British capital to being the city which witnessed the birth of Indian struggle for independence. The city thrives on absorbing the plagues of partition, pressure of population expansion, economic depression and so on. One of the major aspect which makes the city unique and a favorite destination is its authenticity on being the most culturally narrative and livable city which perhaps neutralizes all the adversities that comes its way. Its glorious past is attributed to several reasons - one of which is the presence of an extensive network of canals within the city. These waterways which actually had their intended use for transportation of goods within the city are also symbolic of ensuring a unique cultural landscape and identity to the
city today. Unfortunately, the condition of these canals remains ignored and underutilized today. They thrive and deserve to be at their elegant self as they use to be – an existing in built asset, the potential of which cannot be denied in promoting sustainable socio cultural tourism. This paper observes the uniqueness of the Tolly’s Nullah or the Adi Ganga - the only canal which is a tributary from the river Hooghly and which has the potential to be glorified in playing its part in creating a Pilgrim Circuit which would not only add to the purpose of the visitors, tourists and the people of this city by adding to their recreational experiences but will also prove to secure itself from the aspects of sustainable challenges that the city would like to meet in terms of reducing the pressure on existing transport, pollution, population distribution, green open spaces, etc.