Investing in the future of the Sundarbans through stronger embankments

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).

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.

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

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 170,000 Mangrove trees, 145,000 Vetiver Grass, and 19,000 Dragon fruit plants till date. The project has also created 400 jobs at the ground level.