The change in salinity regime over the last 50–100 years resulted in the extinction
of various animal populations and endangered some more (Sanyal 1983, cited in
Hazra et al. 2003).
1.3.1 Increase of Occurrences of Cyclones
Cyclones are infrequent in Bay of Bengal from January to March. But the period
between April and May face several varieties of cyclones which often strike
Andhra-Orissa-West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts. Pre- and post-monsoon storms are
more severe than the storms of the monsoon season. In between 2007 and 2009, the
northern part of Bay of Bengal has witnessed four cyclones, namely, Sidr, Nargis,
Bijli and Aila. All these cyclones brought strong wind, heavy rainfall and flooding,
resulting in severe coastal erosion, destroying the embankment in the Sunderbans.
Scientists are predicting such grave events with more frequency and destructive
nature (Sachs 2010). The latest super cyclone to strike the Sunderbans was Aila,
which had struck on May 26th, 2009 at a maximum speed of 110 km/h. The farm
lands were inundated with saline water, animals died, diseases broke out, freshwater
sources were ruined, homes destroyed and embankments were broken. The people
of Sunderbans are still reeling under its after effects. Such cyclones are only serving
as an early warning to us about what the future might have in store.
1.4 Mitigation
The Sunderban islands and its rich biodiversity including the million plus people
are under threat. The survival of these islands is not only important for its inhabitants but for a far more wider audience. Without these islands acting as buffer, the
entire lower portion of eastern India and Bangladesh will get submerged since it is
already a subsiding delta.
Mitigation processes unlike Adaptation processes, can be carried out on a global
scale and include reduction of carbon emissions and other drivers of climate
change.
The major mitigation processes required in Sunderbans are
1.4.1 Afforestation of Mangroves
The importance of mangroves is immense for the survival of these islands. They
prevent the soil from getting washed away because of the dual action of the rivers
and the Sea. They are natural safeguards for these islands and the mainland against
the onslaught of frequent cyclones. They also provide shelter to several marine
lives, which would otherwise get washed away. Cutting these forests also releases a
Is There a Tomorrow?: The Story of Survival …
367
of various animal populations and endangered some more (Sanyal 1983, cited in
Hazra et al. 2003).
1.3.1 Increase of Occurrences of Cyclones
Cyclones are infrequent in Bay of Bengal from January to March. But the period
between April and May face several varieties of cyclones which often strike
Andhra-Orissa-West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts. Pre- and post-monsoon storms are
more severe than the storms of the monsoon season. In between 2007 and 2009, the
northern part of Bay of Bengal has witnessed four cyclones, namely, Sidr, Nargis,
Bijli and Aila. All these cyclones brought strong wind, heavy rainfall and flooding,
resulting in severe coastal erosion, destroying the embankment in the Sunderbans.
Scientists are predicting such grave events with more frequency and destructive
nature (Sachs 2010). The latest super cyclone to strike the Sunderbans was Aila,
which had struck on May 26th, 2009 at a maximum speed of 110 km/h. The farm
lands were inundated with saline water, animals died, diseases broke out, freshwater
sources were ruined, homes destroyed and embankments were broken. The people
of Sunderbans are still reeling under its after effects. Such cyclones are only serving
as an early warning to us about what the future might have in store.
1.4 Mitigation
The Sunderban islands and its rich biodiversity including the million plus people
are under threat. The survival of these islands is not only important for its inhabitants but for a far more wider audience. Without these islands acting as buffer, the
entire lower portion of eastern India and Bangladesh will get submerged since it is
already a subsiding delta.
Mitigation processes unlike Adaptation processes, can be carried out on a global
scale and include reduction of carbon emissions and other drivers of climate
change.
The major mitigation processes required in Sunderbans are
1.4.1 Afforestation of Mangroves
The importance of mangroves is immense for the survival of these islands. They
prevent the soil from getting washed away because of the dual action of the rivers
and the Sea. They are natural safeguards for these islands and the mainland against
the onslaught of frequent cyclones. They also provide shelter to several marine
lives, which would otherwise get washed away. Cutting these forests also releases a
Is There a Tomorrow?: The Story of Survival …
367