Bengal Government Unveils Multi-Crore Project to Combat Erosion in Sundarbans

The West Bengal government has announced a massive Rs 4,100 crore project to tackle erosion issues in the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. The project, 'Sustainable Harmonising Ocean Resources & Economy', will be funded by the World Bank, covering 70% of the cost, while the state government will foot the remaining Rs 1,230 crore.

The project's implementation will begin shortly, with a target completion date by 2029-30, according to State Irrigation Minister Manas Bhunia. During a visit to Gosaba, Bhunia said that the project aims to strengthen vulnerable embankments across the islands and address concerns over increased salinity faced by villagers of 39 affected islands in the lower delta.

Bhunia attributed this initiative to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government's concern for the safety and well-being of Sundarbans residents. He assured that once the finance ministry clears the funds, World Bank will release the necessary amount to complete the project.

In a bid to augment assistance, Bhunia mentioned talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for funding support in order to undertake work in the upper delta. The Netherlands-based technical experts have already begun conducting preliminary studies on an expedition into the Sundarbans.

This ambitious initiative is the first step towards reviving this critically endangered environment – a major success in tackling impending environmental hazards.