From Summer to Monsoon: Ethnobotanical Observations in the Seasonal Wetlands of Paglachandi Bil, Nadia, West Bengal

Abstract: Seasonal wetlands in the monsoon-influenced floodplains of West Bengal constitute dynamic habitats of substantial ethnobotanical importance. Unlike terrestrial plants, these creations remain undiscovered in India’s ecological literature. This study documents the plant diversity and traditional knowledge associated with Paglachandi Bil, a prominent seasonal wetland in West Bengal's Nadia district, through field visits during summer and monsoon seasons. Twenty-five aquatic and semi-aquatic plant species were recorded and analyzed for their medicinal properties and utilitarian roles in local livelihoods. The findings reveal extensive community use of native macrophytes—for food, fodder, medicine, and cultural practices—underscoring the wetland’s biocultural value. However, pressures from agricultural runoff, unregulated jute retting, and land-use change threaten both ecological integrity and the continuity of traditional knowledge. The paper tries to advocate community-led conservation strategies, seasonal zoning of wetland activities, and youth-driven ethnobotanical documentation to safeguard these ephemeral landscapes and the cultural memory they hold. Keywords: Seasonal wetlands, Medicinal properties, Local livelihood, Paglachandi, Nadia