Investing in the future of the Sundarbans through stronger embankments

• The project aims to strengthen and sustain the river embankment system of Purba Shridharpur village by planting Mangrove, Vetiver Grass, and Dragon Fruits in a three-layer protection system.
• This project will also provide local Self-Help Group members with livelihood opportunities.
• By engaging SHG members in the task of riverbank protection, the project contributes towards social empowerment.
• The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).

• A community of SHG women is deeply involved in collecting saplings, managing nurseries, and planting Mangrove, Vetiver grass, and Dragon fruits in the region.
• The SHG women take day-to-day responsibility for maintaining the planted saplings/trees, as well as for nursery work and replanting.
• MUKTI provides food support to the SHG women engaged in plant maintenance, at a cost of ₹ 2250. This helps them take better care of the planted seedlings/plants.
• A dedicated team consisting of Project Managers, Program Coordinators, and Field Supervisors monitors the project on the ground.

Nagendrapur Gram Panchayat, Mathurapur-II block, South 24 Pgs district, West Bengal, India

• The project has provided regular food support to 250 women who are involved in the initiative.
• The team has strengthened a 7 km stretch of the river embankment and planted over 170,000 Mangrove trees, 145,000 Vetiver Grass, and 19,000 Dragon fruit plants till date.
• The project has also created 400 jobs at the ground level.