Environmental Crisis in the Indian Sundarbans: The Struggles of Underprivileged Inhabitants of Sundarbans and the Quest for Sustainable Solutions

The Indian Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the most ecologically rich but vulnerable inhabitants. These people, predominantly forest-dependent and marginalized, are facing unprecedented environmental challenges. As climate change intensifies and the ecological balance tilts, their lives and livelihoods are under constant threat. Amidst this turmoil, grassroots efforts by NGOs like Mukti are shaping a complex narrative of survival, resilience, and transformation.

Pressing Environmental Issues faced by Inhabitants of the Sundarbans

• Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Erosion: The low-lying islands of the Sundarbans are increasingly falling prey to rising sea levels. Entire villages have been swallowed by the sea, forcing local communities to migrate and abandon ancestral lands.
• Cyclones and Extreme Weather: Supercyclones like Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021) have devastated farmlands, destroyed homes, and salinized freshwater sources. These frequent climate disasters have created a cycle of displacement and poverty.
• Salinization of Agricultural Land: With rising sea incursions and embankment breaches, fertile soil has turned saline, rendering traditional agriculture nearly impossible. Food insecurity is now a constant worry.
• Loss of Livelihoods: The locals, many of whom depend on fishing, honey collection, and small-scale farming, are witnessing the collapse of their traditional livelihoods. Deforestation and depletion of fish stock in mangroves have made subsistence harder.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: As humans encroach further into the mangroves for survival, attacks by tigers and crocodiles have surged, with fatal consequences, particularly for honey collectors and fishermen.

 

Mukti: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation

The grassroots efforts of NGOs like Mukti have emerged as game-changers in the Sundarbans. Founded in 2003, Mukti works at the intersection of ecological conservation, education, healthcare, livelihood support, and women empowerment.

• Key Interventions by Mukti:
• Sustainable Agriculture: Mukti promotes organic farming and salt-tolerant crop varieties, helping farmers adapt to saline soils while reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.
• Model Bio-Villages: Their “Green Model Villages” emphasize rainwater harvesting, renewable energy (like solar power), organic farming, and zero-waste practices – showcasing sustainable living rooted in local ecology.
• Skill Development and Livelihoods: From training women in tailoring and handicrafts to teaching youth digital skills, Mukti has diversified income sources for thousands of tribal families.
• Education and Health: Mukti’s support for village libraries, low-cost education, and mobile health clinics has improved quality of life in remote areas.
• Disaster Resilience and Community Preparedness: Mukti trains local volunteers in disaster response, organizes relief distribution with transparency, and collaborates with local authorities for rebuilding efforts that are more durable and inclusive.

 

The Real Impact: Are Lives Improving?

• Mukti’s impact is tangible:
• Thousands of women have become financially independent through self-help groups.
• Agricultural yields have improved with salt-resistant rice and organic methods.
• Villages previously dependent on diesel pumps now use solar irrigation systems.
• Access to education and health care has expanded, even in disaster-prone zones.
• Independent evaluations and field studies have credited Mukti with reviving ecological balance while uplifting dignity of local communities — a rare synergy in development work.

 

Lessons from the Frontline

The story of the underprivileged inhabitants of Sundarbans is one of resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of nature’s challenges. While government policies are often designed with positive intent, gaps in implementation sometimes mean that vulnerable communities—like those in the Sundarbans—do not always receive the full support they need. In such contexts, organizations like Mukti play a vital role, complementing public efforts and acting as catalysts for positive, sustainable change in the lives of these communities…

 

……Dr. Amit Kumar Dey

Program Manager – Environment, Mukti