A Vision of Green: Blind Man Leads 200 Homemakers in Reviving Sundarbans Mangrove Forests

Planting Hope: The Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini Movement

In the Sundarbans, a visually-impaired man named Akul Biswas is leading an extraordinary movement to revive the region's mangrove forests. Since 2005, Biswas has been planting mangrove saplings along the Bidyadhari River, inspiring local homemakers to join his cause. Today, over 200 women, along with Biswas, have formed the Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini (JSB), dedicated to protecting their homes from the cyclones that frequently ravage this unique and vulnerable ecosystem.

The Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini Movement

Grassroots Efforts Yield Green Results

Every June, the women of Jharkhali in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, begin their day by collecting mangrove seeds and nurturing them in nursery bags. Three months later, when the saplings are ready, JSB volunteers plant them along the riverbanks. This dedicated group of eco-warriors has been pivotal in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. The planting season, from October to January, sees each volunteer planting up to 250 saplings a day. Kalpana Sardar, a 45-year-old JSB member, has personally planted thousands since joining in 2021.

"The plantation is done between October and January. Each volunteer devotes around two hours a day to plant almost 200-250 saplings," says Sardar.

Nature’s Shield Against Calamities

The Sundarbans, known for its rich biodiversity and the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, is prone to cyclones and flooding. The mangroves planted by JSB act as natural barriers, protecting river embankments and reducing the destruction caused by cyclones. The region's landscape, influenced by the sea and marked by numerous water channels, makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels.

The intensity of natural calamities has increased in recent years due to climate change. The region faces a significant threat from rising sea levels as many islands have already submerged underwater or are on the verge.

Mangrove forests, including species like the Sundari, Gewa, and Goran, are crucial for the ecological balance. These trees help stabilize the soil and provide habitat for aquatic species, effectively safeguarding the environment and the local communities.

Empowering the Community

The JSB's efforts have shown tangible results. During Cyclone Yaas in May 2021, the areas protected by the JSB's mangroves remained relatively unharmed compared to other regions. This success story began with a handful of volunteers, including homemakers, disabled individuals, senior citizens, and ‘tiger widows’—women who lost their husbands to tiger attacks.

Biswas, who lost his sight to glaucoma, also runs a coaching center for children and mothers who dropped out of school. His commitment to environmental conservation and community development has inspired many to join the cause.

“Our forefathers migrated from Khulna in 1952 and after moving to refugee camps in Asansol, Serampore and Canning, we were settled here by the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Ray in 1957,” explains Biswas.

The Way Forward

Despite limited resources and ongoing funding challenges, the JSB continues its crucial work. They have planted around 500,000 mangrove saplings across 100 hectares, significantly contributing to the region's resilience against climate change.

SEED, a Kolkata-based NGO, has been supporting JSB's efforts since 2008, running nurseries and providing livelihood support to 'tiger widows'. Recently, SEED partnered with the Ireland-based Tiger Widows Organisation to further enhance JSB's plantation efforts.

“The rising sea levels, cyclones, and water salinity has impacted the locals’ primary sources of income like agriculture and fishing, eventually resulting in forced migration,” explains Biswas.

For the residents of the Sundarbans, the future remains uncertain, but the relentless efforts of Biswas and the women of JSB offer a glimmer of hope. Their dedication to planting and nurturing mangroves is not only reviving the forest but also empowering the community to stand resilient against the forces of nature.

“If only we could provide some livelihoods support, we would be able to encourage more women to become eco-warriors and help save the ecologically fragile Sundarbans,” Biswas concludes.

Reference:

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