Mangrove ecosystem of Sundarban

   

Mangrove ecosystem is a unique, fragile & a highly productive ecosystem in the sea- land interface zone, is the conglomeration of various distinct keystone species of plants, animals and microorganisms acclimatised in the fluctuating environment of tropical intertidal zone. This ecosystem is a highly valued ecosystem in terms of economy, environment and ecology. Mangrove ecosystem ofSundarbans India falls between 21032’ – 22040’ north and between 88085’ – 89000’ longitudes & latitudes respectively, in the vast delta system formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra & the Meghna(in Bangladesh) rivers . These wetlands are spread over an area of 10,000 sq. km with 4,000 sq. km falling on the Indian side.Notably, mangroves are a transition from the marine to freshwater & terrestrial ecosystems.

If you are wondering about the uniqueness of this region then here it!This particular area is home to the illustrious Irrawaddy Dolphins, Northern river Terrapins, fishing cat, several Kingfisher species.Notably, this region truly recognised as the home of The Royal Bengal Tiger(Pantheratigris),the largest known predator of the Indo-Pacific region along with the Estuarine crocodile(Crocodilusporosus). But the ecoregion’s distinct feature comes from the fact that it provides critical habitat for numerous species of fishes & crustaceans that are adapted to spend their juvenile life among the tangled root systems of the mangroves, called as Pneumatophores or the breathing roots, as they grow upwards from the aerobic mud to get the tree’s supply of oxygen.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site back in 1987, the Indian part of Sunderbans received the prestigious tag of ‘Wetland of International Importance’ from the Ramsar Convention on wetlands on February 1,2019. This is being regarded as a moral victory for the wildlife enthusiasts, environmentalists as well as the commons fighting to save this nature’s marvel for years &decades^[1].

This region suffered the devastating effects of the Cyclone Aila in May 2009, a disaster which was hard to overcome for the people of this region. The Mangroves which acts as a naturalbarrier for the cyclones in this region, was severely hit. Nevertheless, the situation has improved over the recent years thanks to the plausible efforts of the local authorities & the WB Govt&many NGOs have added their technical expertise in this regard.

But amidst the good news there is still a cause for concern! The 2016 UNESCO Report undermined the disastrous consequences of the proposed coal-fired Rampal Power Plant project in Khulna, Bangladesh on the delicate ecology of the Sunderbans which is already reeling under the effects of current environmental buzzwords Global warming & Climate change! But despite relentless opposition from the activists & conservationists from India & Bangladesh, the recent reports indicate that the concerned authorities have given a YES to the project.

Inspite of all this crisis, conservation efforts are being carried out by the NGOs like SunderbanFoundation,DigambarpurAngikar , MUKTIregularly. With the winds of change that came to Sunderbans in the form of this tag, conservation efforts are expected to increase in the coming days.