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Cyclone Amphan has wreaked havoc in the ecologically fragile delta region of the Sundarbans in eastern India. It has adversely impacted the lives and livelihoods of farmers, forest workers and fishing communities in the region that has also been declared a World heritage Site on account of its rich bio-diversity. Now, the Paschim Radhanagar Sundarban Jana Sramajibi Manch, has joined hands with like minded organisations to provide relief to the cyclone affected inhabitants of the region.
Sundarbans: Its ecology and people
The Indian Sundarbans region commonly known as the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (BSR) consists of 4,200 sq. km. of reserved forests along with 5,400 sq. km. of non-forest area. The 58 inhabited and 48 forested islands are spread across of the North and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal. The largest estuarine mangrove forest is also the core area of the Sundarbans Tiger reserve, with home to more than 200 tigers.
Cyclones have always posed a threat to the Sundarbans. Rising sea level and tidal waves have eroded landmass leading to the depletion of mangroves and the inundation of saline water is eating away at the inhabited land. But now climate change is making the already fragile ecosystem of the SBR even more vulnerable.
The fragile ecosystem is home to at least 4.5 million people. The population of the Sundarbans is economically underprivileged and has very poor access to infrastructure. In absence of any major industry there, they are mostly dependent on agriculture, fishing, tiger prawn seed collection, timber collection and honey collection. There are abysmal to no healthcare facilities in the region and locals have to travel miles to avail basic treatment at primary healthcare centers. According to research studies, at least 50,000 people enter the Sundarbans forest areas daily to extract sources for their livelihood.
Destruction by Cyclone Amphan
Now, while the nation was grappling with the Covid-19 crisis, another disaster, Cyclone Amphan caused extensive damage to the eastern coast of India. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest, has been ravaged by the cyclone that had a wind speed of 220 kmph. It is estimated that about 3,900 sq. km in the Sundarbans suffered damage, with over 10 lakh homes and shops being devastated, trees being uprooted, and roads being cracked open. The storm also damaged creeks and embankments, bringing saline water into villages and destroying 109,577 hectares of cultivable land and impacting 443,144 farmers.
Media reports say that saline inundation in agricultural fields has destroyed standing crops and set back any prospects of cultivation to at least two years. The incoming monsoon also brings with it new challenges for rehabilitation. Freshwater and potable water availability has been affected and it is now upto the residents to begin picking up from what’s left due to the damage.
Organizations call for contributions towards relief measures
In light of this immeasurable destruction, the Paschim Radhanagar Sundarban Jana Sramajibi Manch, a community organization working with fisherfolk and the forest dependent people across the Sundarbans, have appealed to the citizens of the country to support the people of the Sundarbans rebuild their lives.
Working with organizations like the Sundarban Parjatan Pariseba Samabay Samity Ltd (Sundarbans Tourism Service Cooperative Society Ltd) to provide necessary relief to the people of Kumirmari, Chotta-Mullakhali and Shamsher Nagar Islands, the Paschim Radhanagar Sundarban Jana Sramajibi Manch has urged people to contribute towards a food and basic essential kit costing Rs. 1,500 consisting of 8 kgs rice, 3 kgs Dal, 2 kgs Potato, 2 kgs onion, 1 kg Jaggery, masalas, 5 soap bars, 5 packets of detergent soap, 2 packets of sanitary napkins and 10 pieces of reusable masks.
It has also asked people to donate towards tarpaulins, clothes, blankets, shoes, household essential items. The Manch has also designed a livelihood-based skill-building programme to help people make a career in fisheries, tailoring, honey and food processing, digital literacy, carpentry, plumbing and masonry, etc. keeping in mind the short-term and long-term needs of the population of the affected region.
It is imperative that with the Covid-19 crisis still looming large on the marginalized population, we and our allied organizations appeal for everyone to contribute generously to help the people of the Sundarbans recover from the impact of the cyclone and propel them towards rehabilitation of their lives and livelihoods.
All contributions made to the Paschim Radhanagar Sundarban Jana Sramajibi Manch carry income tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
For any queries, email – sundarbanjanashramjibimanch@gmail.com or contact:
Tapas Mondal – 9433209912
Aditi Chanchani – 9008355933
Please read the appeal here: