The rising salinity in the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, could prove more devastating in the coming years than what is feared until now by most experts. The factors responsible for increase in salinity in the Sundarbans are entirely man-made. Unless conscious efforts are there to reverse the process, the forest would continue to lose its characteristics due to the rising salinity. Already, enough damage has been caused. The number of sweet water-based fish and plant species that once thrived in the Sundarbans has already dwindled. And those are being replaced by the saline water-based kinds. The factors that have been identified so far for the decline of the Sundarbans include upstream diversion of water from the common rivers by India and saline water-fed shrimp culture in coastal districts where the forest is located. The effect of climate change has only aggravated the problem. Environmentalists and relevant others from Bangladesh, India and leading international organizations discussed the issue of rising salinity in the Sundarbans at a workshop, held in the Indian city of Kolkata last week. The workshop was told that sweet water now covered only 41 per cent of the coastal areas and it might come further down to 17 per cent by 2050, causing untold damage to flora and fauna in the areas concerned. There is no denying that the rise in the sea-level due to global warming has been causing saline water to intrude deep into coastal areas of the country. What is happening is a part of the global phenomenon. Though there are international efforts to stop, if not reverse, the process, it could be a long-drawn procedure. A number of developed countries that are largely responsible for global pollution are not willing to take their fair share of tasks necessary to remedy the environmental problems. But, at least, Bangladesh and India can do a lot to stave off the aggression of saline water in the Sundarbans. Since a part of the Sundarbans covers a part of Paschimbongo, India has genuine reasons to be concerned about the increased salinity problem. The two countries should make efforts to augment downstream flow of the common rivers to help keep saline waters at bay. The other problem – saline water-based shrimp culture — should be addressed by the government keeping in view its importance in the export trade. An unregulated saline-water shrimp culture has caused damage not only to a large area of arable land but also to other flora and fauna in the coastal districts. Many fish farmers have already realized their mistake and are now trying to bring their land back to old shape. The government should introduce a regulatory regime for saline water-based shrimp culture to stop widespread damage to the Sundarbans’ environment. Lately, the government is also being blamed for taking a few decisions that are allegedly detrimental to the health of the forest, a UNESCO-declared global heritage site. Allowing ships to use Sundarbans waters for transshipments and establishment of a coal-based power plant are two controversial decisions. All concerned, the policymakers in particular, have little scope to view the issues concerning the Sundarbans through narrow lens. Its importance in Bangladesh’s economy, climate and well-being is immense. So, it deserves special attention and priority in national policy-making.