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01. Why the Project is?

• In the Sundarbans, the mangrove forests have been destroyed and degraded by unsustainable harvesting, as well as by numerous coastal development activities.
• The present river embankments have failed to prevent cyclones or tidal surges, resulting in the flooding of agricultural lands and human habitats with saline water.
• It will take two to three years to make these inundated agricultural lands cultivable again.
• Salinity intrusion in groundwater is also common in the southern part of the Sundarbans region.
• The river often changes its course due to various reasons, causing people to leave their homes and farming lands.
• Additionally, the emergence of new islands between different waterways has disrupted the transportation system.

02. What the project is?

• The project aims to strengthen and sustain the river embankment system of Purba Shridharpur village by planting Mangrove, Vetiver Grass, and Dragon Fruits in a three-layer protection system.
• This project will also provide local Self-Help Group members with livelihood opportunities.
• By engaging SHG members in the task of riverbank protection, the project contributes towards social empowerment.
• The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).

03. How the Project is?

• A community of SHG women is deeply involved in collecting saplings, managing nurseries, and planting Mangrove, Vetiver grass, and Dragon fruits in the region.
• The SHG women take day-to-day responsibility for maintaining the planted saplings/trees, as well as for nursery work and replanting.
• MUKTI provides food support to the SHG women engaged in plant maintenance, at a cost of ₹ 2250. This helps them take better care of the planted seedlings/plants.
• A dedicated team consisting of Project Managers, Program Coordinators, and Field Supervisors monitors the project on the ground.

04. Where the project is?

Nagendrapur Gram Panchayat, Mathurapur-II block, South 24 Pgs district, West Bengal, India

05. What the impact is?

• The project has provided regular food support to 250 women who are involved in the initiative.
• The team has strengthened a 7 km stretch of the river embankment and planted over 2,20,000 Mangrove trees, 2,20,000 Vetiver Grass, and 21,000 Dragon fruit plants till date.
• The project has also created 400 jobs at the ground level.

Impact Stories