As the sea receded southwards, in the sub-recent geological period, a large low-lying plain got exposed.

The periodical collapse of both the natural levees and man-made embankments speed up the process of filling up of the depressions containing brackish water wetlands.

Embankments raised along rivers are of critical importance for the safety of lives and protection of crops, against daily tides and tidal surges.

Technologically the embankment structures are weak and there is need of proper drainage of accumulated rain water through sluice gates.

[8] Gram panchayats of Canning I CD block/panchayat samiti are: Bansra, Daria, Dighirpar, Gopalpur, Hatpukuria, Itkhola, Matla-I, Matla-II, Nikarighata and Taldi.

[9] As per 2011 Census of India, Canning I CD block had a total population of 304,724, of which 181,508 were rural and 123,216 were urban.

[10] As per 2001 Census of India, Canning I CD block had a total population of 244,354, out of which 125,216 were males and 119,138 were females.

[10] Large villages (with 4,000+ population) in Canning I CD block (2011 census figures in brackets): Khas Kumarkhali (7,227), Sibnagar (5,667), Daria (4,900), Bhaleya (5,858), Hatpukhuria (4,629), Devis Abad (8,128), Dharmatala (5,003), Duttababur Abad (6,095), Gopalpur (4,958), Hero Bhanga (7,339), Uttar Redokhali (5,006), Maukhali (4,164), Uttar Angad Baria (5,141), Kumarsa Chak (7,334), Banibadabede Khali (4,930), Budh Khali (8,908), Gola Bari (4,896) and Modhu Khali (5,546).

[10] Other villages in Canning I CD block include (2011 census figures in brackets): Nikarighata (3,419), Tangrakhali (1,221).

[15] As per 2001 Census of India, Canning I CD block had a total literacy of 60.49 per cent for the 6+ age group.

[18] As per the Human Development Report for South 24 Parganas district, published in 2009, in Canning I CD block the percentage of households below poverty line was 31.05%.

[21] The District Human Development Report points out that in the blocks of region situated in the close proximity of the Kolkata metropolis, overwhelming majority are involved in the non-agricultural sector for their livelihood.

It includes factory, mining, plantation, transport and office workers, those engaged in business and commerce, teachers, entertainment artistes and so on.

[23] There are 53 inhabited villages in Canning I CD block, as per the District Census Handbook, South Twenty-four Parganas, 2011.

46 villages (86.79%) have telephones (including landlines, public call offices and mobile phones).

[24] South 24 Parganas had played a significant role in the Tebhaga movement launched by the Communist Party of India in 1946.

[27] In 2013-14, there were 70 fertiliser depots, 11 seed stores and 54 fair price shops in Canning I CD block.

[28] In Canning I CD block, in 2013-14, net area under effective pisciculture was 6,425 hectares, engaging 44,445 persons in the profession, and with an approximate annual production of 151,940 quintals.

The fund, created by the Government of India, is designed to redress regional imbalances in development.

[34] Certain areas of South 24 Parganas district have been identified where ground water is affected by Arsenic Contamination.

[35] High levels of arsenic in ground water were found in twelve CD blocks of the district.

Water samples collected from tubewells in the affected places contained arsenic above the normal level (10 micrograms per litre as specified by the World Health Organization).