As cities expand and urbanization intensifies, natural resources come under immense pressure. Nowhere is this more evident than in India, where rapid, often unplanned urban growth has strained infrastructure, particularly water resources. Kolkata, one of the country’s oldest and most historically rich metropolises, is no exception. In Five Thousand Mirrors: The Water Bodies of Kolkata, Mohit Ray presents a deeply researched, thought-provoking exploration of the city's small water bodies—its ponds, lakes, and reservoirs—shedding light on their ecological, social, and cultural significance.

The Hidden Lifelines of a City

Water bodies in urban settings serve as more than just sources of water; they are vibrant ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate the microclimate, and provide vital services to local communities. Kolkata, once dotted with thousands of small ponds, has seen these lifelines steadily disappear due to encroachment, pollution, and neglect. In this book, Ray argues that these water bodies are not mere remnants of the past but critical elements for ensuring a sustainable future.

A Multifaceted Study

Five Thousand Mirrors is a meticulously detailed study that blends environmental science, historical inquiry, and socio-political analysis. Through extensive field research, surveys, and data collection, the book offers:

• A historical perspective on Kolkata’s water bodies, tracing their evolution from being integral to the city's growth to becoming neglected and endangered.
• A scientific analysis of water quality, pollution levels, and the environmental degradation these water bodies face today.
• A social survey that captures how communities interact with these water resources, from everyday usage to cultural and religious practices.
• An exploration of environmental politics, investigating policies (or the lack thereof) surrounding urban water conservation and the challenges of governance.
• Narratives of community movements—stories of citizens and activists fighting to protect and restore these water bodies.

The Bigger Picture: Lessons for the Developing World

Although the book focuses on Kolkata, its insights hold relevance for urban centers worldwide, especially in the developing world, where unchecked urban expansion threatens natural ecosystems. It raises essential questions: How can cities integrate water conservation into their development plans? What role can communities play in preserving these crucial resources? And what policy changes are necessary to ensure sustainable urban water management?

A Call to Action

Far more than just a scholarly study, Five Thousand Mirrors is a call to action. It urges policymakers, environmentalists, urban planners, and everyday citizens to rethink the way cities interact with their water bodies. The book emphasizes that sustainable urbanization cannot be achieved without preserving these vital natural resources.

Why Read This Book?

1. If you are an environmentalist, this book provides a compelling case for urban water conservation.
2. If you are an urban planner or policymaker, it offers data-driven insights into water management challenges.
3. If you are a resident of Kolkata or any other growing city, it highlights the crucial role local communities play in safeguarding their natural resources.

With Five Thousand Mirrors, Mohit Ray brings attention to an urgent environmental issue—one that is both deeply local and profoundly global. Thought-provoking, insightful, and richly detailed, this book is an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of sustainable cities.