Akul Biswas, a visually impaired man from Jharkhali, began planting mangroves along the Bidyadhari river in 2005. Moved by Cyclone Aila’s devastation, he envisioned mangroves as a natural shield against floods.

“Cyclone Aila caught us unaware in 2009. The embankment was washed away by the water surge, damaging homes, uprooting trees, and even killing the fish in the pukurs (ponds),” says Akul.

The Sundarbans are prone to cyclones, rising sea levels, and increasing salinity. The region struggles with frequent natural calamities, exacerbated by climate change, which threatens its delicate ecosystem.

Biswas’ efforts gained support from locals, including homemakers, senior citizens, and tiger widows (women who lost their husbands in tiger attacks), who joined him in planting mangrove saplings.

This group eventually evolved into Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini (JSB), a team of over 200 eco-warriors. The plantation is carried out between October and January. Each volunteer devotes around two hours a day to planting almost 200-250 saplings.

Despite limited resources, JSB has planted over five lakh mangrove saplings, covering 100 hectares.

Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the Sundarbans and its communities. Their roots stabilise embankments, prevent landslides, and act as barriers against cyclones and floods.

Sundari mangroves are also crucial for wildlife and aquatic species. “Its leaves have glands that can excrete excess salt, allowing the tree to adapt to the saline environment of the Sundarbans,” explains Nivash Golder, a Jharkhali resident.

When Cyclone Yaas hit in 2021, Jharkhali’s mangrove belt protected the village, unlike other areas that were devastated by floods. “It failed to breach the river banks nor did it render the inhabitants of Jharkhali homeless despite it being a low-lying area,” says Akul.

Although the region is at the forefront of climate-related risks, only a few NGOs operate there. One of the most dedicated is the Kolkata-based Society for Socio-Economic and Ecological Development (SEED), which has been active in the area since 2008.

With continued support, JSB aims to protect the Sundarbans from climate change, ensuring resilience through mangrove protection and plantation efforts.

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