Urbanization and climate change are endangering the Ramsar and UNESCO World Heritage Site Sundarbans.
Over 12 million people live in the Sundarbans, which relies on tidal rivers and mangroves. The region experiences freshwater shortages, pollution, and human activity. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve relies on saline tidal rivers and mangroves.
River erosion, forest resource exploitation, human-animal conflicts, women trafficking, human interference, wild animal hunting, and unemployment affect the Sundarbans. Using non-forest land for mangrove forestation worsens the situation.
Humans inhabit 54 of 104 Indian islands in the Sundarbans, which is affected by climate change. Many residents have moved to cities and small towns due to coastal erosion and saline river flooding.
To protect the Sundarbans, restore the pond's water environment with aquatic plants, mangrove seedlings, seaweeds, and algae. Solar and bioenergy policies can help local livelihoods.
Protecting streambanks, promoting soil-tolerant paddy varieties, organic agriculture, agro-based micro, small, and medium enterprises, medicinal plant cultivation, minimising submersible pump usage, sustainable practices, carbon credits, and non-timber forest resources can benefit Sundarbans residents and the environment.
Mangroves safeguard the climate and provide jobs, and aquatic plants and saplings restore water ecosystems. Effective wastewater treatment uses lactic acid, photosynthetic, and bacterial species. Sustainability and cleanliness can be promoted by biofilters, information, education, and communication.
Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Silver carp, Bhetki, Parse, and Bhangar, indigenous Indian big carps, may also rehabilitate aquatic ecosystems. Solar and bioenergy policies can help local livelihoods. Gender equality is vital, and development projects should prioritise women-run farmer producers and self-help groups.
Sustainability requires well-equipped healthcare facilities, waste management, water, sanitation, and hygiene. Addressing climate hazards in the Sundarbans requires disaster preparedness and mitigation.
The unique taste and culture of Sundarbans could attract tourists and boost the economy. Sundarban initiatives must be audited and monitored to ensure efficacy and accountability.
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