The Sundarbans is a Ramsar site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides shelter for 84 species of flora, including 26 mangrove species, 453 species of fauna, 120 species of fish, 290 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 35 reptiles and eight amphibian species. More than 12 million people — 4.5 million in India and 7.5 million in Bangladesh — live in this estuarine ecosystem.
Sundarbans is situated in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta and depends on the tidal rivers and mangroves. The rivers are mostly saline as they disconnected from the ‘parent river’. The scarcity of freshwater is the burning issue in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.
According to the observations of the experts, fresh groundwater may be found deeper than 250 metres and, in some cases, the groundwater is saline in nature in Sundarbans.” The environmental study report further found four million tonnes of microplastics are released into the Bay of Bengal and the Sundarbans each year from various rivers in Bangladesh and India. Additionally, less sweet water enters the Sundarbans mangrove system. Some of the major impacting factors are river erosion, exploitation of forest resources, conflicts between humans and animals, trafficking of women, human interference (tourist activities, fishing, small-scale businesses, etc), hunting of wild animals and unemployment.
Moreover, the use of non-forest land for mangrove forestation further exacerbates the situation. Chemicals such as hydrocarbons and marine paints, caused by Bangladesh’s Mongla Port and India’s Leather Estate, contaminate the rivers and water ecosystem. The international border runs parallel to the Indian Sundarbans’ eastern borders.
The increase in salinity in the water, environmental pollution, socio-political disturbances, changes in biodiversity and sea level, changing characteristics of local rivers and creeks, river erosion and infrastructure issues have made the situation difficult for the forest dwellers. Additionally, corruption and fraudulent practices by stakeholders gradually increase, compounding the challenges faced by the Sundarbans ecosystem. The temperature rise has detrimental impacts on the estuarian ecosystem of the mangrove forest, according to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Out of the 104 islands in India, 54 are inhabited by humans. Because of coastal erosion, lands have been encroached by the saline river’s water. It has forced many residents to migrate to cities and small towns of West Bengal and other parts of India.
Nature-based solutions way to go
Nature-based solutions can be a good way to support the people and environment of Sundarbans. One such example is for protecting streambanks. Vetivers are not local species and are not salt–tolerant. Instead of cultivating vetiver, one can cultivate (as a pilot) other grass species such as Wild rice (Porteresia coarctata), Myriostachya wightiana, Biscuit grass (Paspalum vaginatum), salt couch grass (Sporobolus virginicus).
Soil-tolerant paddy varieties such as Darsal, Nona Bokra, Talmugur, etc and crop cultivation should be promoted by the government and non governmental organisations to support sustainable agriculture. Additionally, promoting organic agriculture can help farmers increase their income while maintaining environmental health. Implementing rainwater harvesting and watershed development initiatives will further enhance agricultural production.
Establishing agro-based micro, small and medium enterprises can contribute to improving rural gross domestic products and creating employment opportunities. Furthermore, supporting medicinal plant cultivation can provide additional income sources for farmers. Minimising the usage of submersible pumps and promoting the establishment of women-run self-help groups and farmer producer organisations to initiate green businesses can contribute to sustainable development.
Efforts should be made to stop unscientific agricultural practices and unsustainable irrigation methods. Additionally, exploring opportunities for carbon credits can support development activities while encouraging sustainable practices. Finally, utilising non-timber forest resources to develop various products can promote economic growth while ensuring the conservation of natural resources.
Mangroves can be climate protectors and source of livelihood. There are many mangroves such as Bayen, Garjan, Golpata, Hogla, Hetal, Kankra, Kumbhi , Kayora, Nona Jhau, Posur, Goran, Gewoya, Sundari, etc. in this area. These mangroves have economical as well as medicinal values. Such fruits of Hetal, Kayora and Golpata can be sold in commercial markets. Flowers of Hogla can be used in food industry to prepare delicious cuisine and ropes can be prepared from dry leaves.
Mangrove resources to protect the Sundarbans
Different aquatic plants and mangrove seedlings like E crassipes, P stratiotes, R mucronata and B gymnorrhiza, as well as two different seaweeds such as S wightii and K alvarezii and algae Anabaena sp, will have to be used to restore the pond’s water ecosystem. Oscilatoria, Microcystis, Firmicutes, Nitrosomonas sp and Theobacillus sp are likely to play a crucial role.
The main species involved in effective wastewater treatment are lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lcasei and Streptococcus lacti and photosynthetic bacteria such as Rhodopseudomonas palustrus and Rhodobacter spaeroide. Exiguobacterium aurantiacum has the capability of degrading phenol and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Bacterial species belonging to the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Cellulomonas, Rhodoseudomonas, Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are known to help in the mineralisation of organic wastes.
It is recommended that biofilters be installed to trap debris and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Information, education and communication activities will help to promote sustainability and cleanliness among stakeholders. Installing solar pond fountain aerators can further improve the ecosystem. Indigenous Indian major carps such as Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Bhetki (Lates calcarifer), Parse (Mugil parsia) and Bhangar (Mugil tada) can aid in restoring ponds’ water ecosystem.
Clean energy remains elusive for the people of Sundarbans despite its importance. Policies focusing on solar and bio-energy can significantly aid in supporting livelihoods in the region. Gender equality is paramount in Indian society and women-run farmer producer organisations and self-help groups should be given priority in the implementation and design of any development projects in Sundarbans.
Establishing well-equipped healthcare facilities that adhere to global standards is essential for the Sundarbans’ inhabitants. Effective solid and liquid waste management, along with water, sanitation and hygiene practices, are crucial for sustainability in the Sundarbans. Implementing people-centric technology can support these activities. Disaster preparedness and mitigation policies are imperative for addressing climate risks in the Sundarbans. Proper conceptualisation and implementation of such policies can complement other development projects in the region.
The unique cuisine and culture of Sundarbans have the potential to attract tourists to the area, contributing to its economic growth. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that projects dedicated to the Sundarbans undergo thorough auditing and monitoring by capable agencies to ensure their effectiveness and accountability.
Sundarbans is a land of myth and miracles. The mangrove ecosystem and the inhabitants of Sundarbans are truly amazing. It has a long historical journey that has been influencing the people and the culture. It narrates stories of relationships between people and nature. Because of urbanisation and climate impacts, Sundarbans is fighting for its existence. Situation is alarming. Now, It is right time to think and act for Sundarbans.