The Mangrove forests are among the most productive, critical and biologically diverse ecosystems. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest, spans the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers across India and Bangladesh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the iconic Bengal tiger, and serves as a vital buffer against cyclones and storm surges.

However, this unique ecosystem at Sundarbans is currently confronting a severe groundwater crisis that threatens both its ecological integrity and the livelihoods of millions of residents who depend on its resources. Recent studies have highlighted alarming rates of groundwater depletion in the region, primarily due to unregulated and illegal extraction for agricultural purposes.

In areas like Basanti Block, groundwater levels are declining by 1 to 2 meters annually, raising concerns about the sustainability of water resources for both human consumption and ecological needs. Compounding the issue is the increasing salinization of groundwater, a consequence of rising sea levels and frequent cyclonic events.

This intrusion of saline water into freshwater aquifers has rendered shallow groundwater sources unsuitable for drinking, forcing communities to rely on deeper aquifers, which are also showing signs of stress. The degradation of groundwater resources has far-reaching implications. The mangrove ecosystem’s health is intrinsically linked to freshwater availability. The salinity stress can lead to the decline of sensitive mangrove species by reducing the forest’s ability as a carbon sink and be a protective barrier against natural disasters.

In response to these challenges, initiatives like the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) have been launched to promote mangrove restoration and sustainable livelihoods. However, addressing the groundwater crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including stringent regulation of groundwater extraction, investment in alternative water sources, and community engagement in conservation efforts.

Collaborative regional planning and transboundary water governance will be essential to ensure long-term sustainability. Without urgent intervention, the Sundarbans could face irreversible ecological degradation, affecting not only the region’s biodiversity but also the cultural and economic fabric of its communities. The time is to act, before the damage becomes permanent and recovery impossible, jeopardizing generations of ecological and human resilience in this fragile yet vital landscape.