Sundarbans: Significance, Challenges & Conservation Efforts

• A recent study, “Resilience of Sundarban Mangroves in South Asia to Weather Extremes and Anthropogenic Water Pollution,” conducted by IIT Bombay, IISER Kolkata, and ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre, sheds light on the Sundarbans’ ability to withstand both natural disasters and human-induced stress.
• While the findings highlight the region’s remarkable resilience, they also raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of this delicate ecosystem.

About Sundarbans

• Largest Tidal Mangrove Forest: Covers approx 10,000 sq. km, with 40% in India and 60% in Bangladesh.
• Boundaries: Bordered by the Muriganga River (west) and Harinbhanga and Raimangal Rivers (east).
• Global Recognition: Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989, a Tiger Reserve in 1973, a Ramsar Site in 1992, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• Dynamic Eco-geography: Tidal actions deposit silt, elevate riverbeds, and create new islands and creeks.
• Unique Vegetation: Named after the Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes), dominating its mangrove forests.
• Unique Adaptations: Specialised roots (Pneumatophores) that grow above the soil surface, enabling respiration in waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions.
• Rich Faunal Diversity: Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile, River Terrapin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Ganges River Dolphin, Hawksbill Turtle, and Mangrove Horseshoe Crab.

Significance of Sundarbans for India

Environmental and Climate Benefits

• Natural Coastal Barrier: Acts as a bioshield by reducing the impact of cyclones like Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021), protecting inland areas.
• Carbon Sequestration Hub: One of the world’s most efficient carbon sinks, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Flood Regulation: Controls water flow, reduces soil erosion, and stabilizes sediment deposits, preventing inland flooding.

Biodiversity Conservation

• Habitat for Endangered Species: Safeguards India’s largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers, playing a vital role in the success of Project Tiger.
• Global Biodiversity Hotspot: The Sundarbans host 300+ bird species, 250+ fish species, 49 mammals (including the Royal Bengal Tiger), 59 reptiles, and endangered species like the River Terrapin and Ganges River Dolphin.

Economic and Livelihood Importance

• Livelihood Support: Sustains approximately 4.5 million people through fishing, honey collection, ecotourism, and non-timber forest products.
• GI-Tagged Products: Sundarbans honey holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, boosting global recognition and enhancing local incomes.

Strategic and Cultural Significance

• National Security Buffer: Acts as a natural defense along India’s eastern coast, strengthening maritime security.
• Cultural Heritage: Holds immense cultural value, featuring in local folklore, rituals, and religious traditions of Bengal.

Challenges to the Sustainability of the Sundarbans

• Rising Sea Levels: Annual sea-level rise of 3–4 mm threatens low-lying areas and increases salinity, harming agriculture and freshwater resources.
• Human-Induced Environmental Stress: Deforestation for shrimp farming, aquaculture expansion, and illegal logging degrade the mangrove ecosystem.
• Industrial Pollution: Discharges from industries and untreated sewage disrupt the ecosystem’s nutrient balance, endangering biodiversity.
• Frequent Cyclones: Cyclones like Amphan (2020), Yaas (2021), and Mocha (2023) have caused extensive mangrove damage, heightening coastal vulnerability.
• Resource Overexploitation: Unregulated fishing and excessive harvesting of honey and timber disrupt the ecological balance and deplete biodiversity.

Conservation Efforts & Way Forward

• Government Initiatives:
  1. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) (2015): Provides financial assistance for climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration projects in vulnerable regions.
  2. Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) (2023): Aims to restore 540 sq. km of mangroves through public-private partnerships and community participation.
  3. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) (2010): Focuses on sustainable development of coastal areas while balancing ecological preservation and economic growth.
  4. India-Bangladesh Transboundary Cooperation: Strengthens joint efforts for managing and conserving the Sundarbans ecosystem effectively.
• Community Participation: Involves local communities in eco-tourism, sustainable fishing, and non-timber forest product collection, promoting livelihoods and reducing environmental degradation.
• Technological Innovations: Adoption of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and real-time monitoring systems (E.g., drones and flux towers) for ecosystem monitoring and early disaster warnings.
• Policy and Legal Framework: Enhancing compliance with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification and introducing stricter penalties for illegal activities like deforestation and pollution.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Establishing robust early warning systems and enhancing coastal resilience infrastructure to mitigate the impact of cyclones and sea-level rise.

Reference: The Indian Express | PMF IAS: Environment Book

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – Mangroves

1. [UPSC 2019] Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 85

Q. With reference to ISFR 2023, analyse the factors responsible for the decline in India’s mangrove cover. Also, discuss the ecological and climate-related significance of mangroves in ensuring coastal stability. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Briefly Introduce the answer by mentioning data on decreasing mangrove covers in India.
• Body: Discuss the major factors for the decline of mangroves, and mention the ecological and climate significance of mangroves.
• Conclusion: Write a way forward and conclude appropriately by highlighting the need for an integrated approach.