In the village of Kuyemuri in Sundarbans, there exists a local action research group known as the “Bandh Bachao Committee.” Their dedicated efforts over the past 6-7 months have focused on safeguarding the delicate river embankments of Sundarbans. Among the various proposals they have put forth to naturally preserve these embankments, one notable suggestion is the plantation of mangroves.
Within their research proposal, it was emphasized that the embankment stretching approximately 1 kilometer near Kuyemuri Ghat is particularly vulnerable and fragile. In light of this concern, they made a heartfelt appeal to both Mukti and Forest Department, urging them to reinforce and fortify this specific area of the embankment.
To their immense relief, Mukti responded to their plea by promising to provide them with 16,000 mangrove seedlings. Remaining true to their word, members of the Amplifying Community Voices (ACV) project and the “Bandh Bachao Committee,” including 10 women, collaborated harmoniously on the momentous occasion of World Environment Day, which took place on the 5th of June, 2023. On this auspicious day, they collectively planted around 1,000 mangrove saplings, symbolizing the initiation of their mangrove plantation endeavor. It marked the beginning of a promising journey towards ecological restoration.
In the days to come, the diligent members of the “Bandh Bachao Committee” will diligently care for these saplings. They have also pledged to conduct awareness programs and implement strategies aimed at preventing any inadvertent or intentional harm to the saplings by the local community.