Kolkata’s historic Chinatown, once home to a thriving Chinese-Indian community, is now witnessing a steady decline. From thousands in the 1960s to just a few remaining today, migration and economic disruptions have reshaped the neighbourhood.The closure of Tangra’s tanneries and the impact of the 1962 war marked major turning points, forcing many families to move abroad. While cultural landmarks like the Chinese Kalibari and Shing Yin temple still stand, the community continues to shrink.This election season has added fresh concerns, with hundreds of Chinese-Indian names deleted from voter rolls. Locals also point to poor infrastructure, school closures and rising real estate pressure.This ground report explores how one of Kolkata’s oldest migrant communities is struggling to hold on — and what it means for the city’s identity.