The East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) had asked the NGO to recommend a comprehensive plan and frame guidelines to develop the wetlands after floating a tender inviting firms and organisations with experience in developing plans for development of wetlands. Wetlands International was chosen after a thorough scrutiny.

EKWMA chief technical officer Nitai Kundu said the team will submit the plan after meeting officials of the state government's departments for environment and fisheries as well as those of the Pollution Control Board.

The NGO's guidelines would help EKWMA develop the wetlands without violating the mandate of the Ramsar authorities. The plan will be aimed at protecting the wetlands.

"By observing the guidelines, people living in the wetland area would be able to construct buildings without Ramsar instructions," said an official. Many unauthorised structures have come up there since the state government last surveyed the area back in 1997.

The plans would specify how a nature and wetlands interpretation centre can be set up in the area and would also come out with a management plan to protect the wetlands. Besides, the wetlands will have facilities to promote eco-tourism, water sports, food huts, recreational centres, landscaping and afforestation without violating Ramsar norms.