Calcutta was one of the most important colonial city of India. However, the technological developments in Calcutta led to environmental degradation and posed a threat to ecology.
● The removal of marshy lands and green spaces directly affected the environment. There was an increasing demand for building houses, factories, and other institutions.
● The establishments of industries and steam engines led to high levels of pollution. The burning of wood as fuel and use of coal-generated thick black smog, that polluted the city.
● The introduction of railways in 1855 further intensified the ecological problem. The high content of ash in Indian coal damaged the environment. Thus, in 1863, Calcutta became the first Indian city to get smoke nuisance legislation.
● The burning of rice husk in 1920 in the rice mills of Tollygunge filled up the air with black soot. Thus, all these developments gradually eroded the prospect of a clean and pure environment.
