Saline embankments, camera traps and a tiger reserve: how the Sundarbans mangroves are managed

Background

The total mangrove cover in West Bengal, including the Sundarbans, is 2,119.16 sq km as per the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, against 2,097 sq km in ISFR 2013.
The gain is attributed to afforestation and eco-restoration under schemes such as MISHTI and the convergence of CAMPA with MGNREGS.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications are the regulatory tool that curbs destructive activities and promotes natural regeneration.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) projects, implemented in coordination with the State Government of West Bengal, involve mangrove afforestation, strengthening of saline embankments and promoting alternative livelihoods.
The Royal Bengal Tiger is conserved there under Project Tiger in the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, with anti-poaching camps, habitat improvement and monitoring using camera traps and satellite telemetry.
Local people take part through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs).
The Sundarbans also works as a natural buffer against cyclones, and the preparation of a comprehensive management plan for the long-term conservation of the Sundarbans biosphere is among the initiatives taken.
The 28th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority was held at the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.