‘Mangrove Mission’ helps Sundarbans residents fight storms, cyclones and unemployment

‘Mangrove Mission’ helps Sundarbans residents fight storms, cyclones and unemployment

Subject : Environment

Section : Ecosystem

Context: In May 2020, when super cyclone Amphan hit the coast of Sundarbans, wreaking havoc in the region, the mangroves played a big role in protecting the life and livelihood of millions of people.

More on the News:

• In May 2020, when super cyclone Amphan hit the coast of Sundarbans, wreaking havoc in the region, the mangroves played a big role in protecting the life and livelihood of millions of people by acting as a bio-shield and protecting the embankments.
• It was found that wherever the mangroves were deforested, lost and destroyed, the embankments were breached and saline waters inundated agricultural land and ponds causing further damage to the fragile terrain.

How mangrove save from cyclone:

• Mangroves also play another important role for humans, protecting communities from major storms. Climate change is more than rising temperatures, and the increased frequency and intensity of cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons is apparent.
• Mangrove roots can break up the force of a storm surge, soaking up some of its energy and protecting people living on coasts from cyclone damage.
• Mangroves can effectively absorb about 70-90 percent of normal wave energy. It is evident that even under extreme circumstances, mangroves’ dense root and branch networks could help diffuse tsunamis, and reduce their devastating effects.

Mangrove Mission

• Mangrove Mission was conceived for eco-restoration of the area and also to protect the city of Kolkata from the wrath of cyclonic storms.
• The South 24 Parganas district administration began a robust planning effectively implement the initiative.
• The entire programme was undertaken by the district MGNREGA Cell and administration of South 24 Parganas and implemented by the forest department, involving local communities, especially women. They were made aware of the effects of cyclonic storms and the usefulness of mangrove trees.
• It is completely a project for the people of Sundarbans, which is being implemented with the help of local villagers. This has generated income for them as they are being employed under MGNREGA