Kolkata remains the capital of the eastern state of West Bengal and is situated along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River. It has tided over the decades of unplanned development mainly due to its Maidan - an enormous open expanse occupying about 1,300 acres (500 hectares) along the river that has become the city's lungs. The uninterrupted stretch of greens also contains the elements the city's madness viz., the football playing grounds of the iconic East Bengal, Mohan Bagan and Mohamedan Sporting club. Incidentally, ever so often, the Maidan also turns into the open air venue for gathering for political parties as well as a breath of fresh air for early morning joggers.