Unlocking Climate Resilience: Experts Urge Integrated Strategies for Kolkata and the Sundarbans’ Security

Punyaslok Bhadury, a biologist, recently shared important findings about the Sundarbans during a discussion. He noted that pollutants and toxic metals from city wastewater are harming the water quality and biodiversity in the area, which is already suffering from higher salinity due to climate change. Despite the challenges from extreme weather like cyclones, Bhadury observed that mangroves can bounce back in just one or two weeks.

Tuhin Ghosh, an oceanographer, highlighted another issue: people are leaving the Sundarbans because of climate impacts. He emphasized that allowing mangroves to grow naturally is crucial. According to him, human-led replanting efforts often fall short of creating a healthy ecosystem. Krishna Ray, a botanist, echoed this sentiment, stating that natural mangroves offer vital services that are hard to replicate.

The impact of climate change extends to the forested regions, covering about 4,000 square kilometers. Pradeep Vyas, a retired forester, pointed out that these areas have faced increasing threats from cyclones and rising salinity.

The conversation also touched on climate justice. Ritwik Datta, an environment lawyer, mentioned the struggles of the people in the region who are affected by climate change, despite not contributing to the problem. He hopes that legal avenues for seeking climate justice will improve in the future.

Shifting gears to transportation, experts discussed how Kolkata’s transit system plays a role in climate security. Bhargab Maitra, a transport expert, warned that with limited road space and a growing number of vehicles, promoting eco-friendly public transport like trams is essential for the city’s future. Anumita Roychoudhury from the Centre for Science and Environment added that modernizing trams is critical for meeting air quality and carbon reduction targets.

It’s not just about keeping trams as a heritage feature. Pradip Kakkar from the non-profit organization PUBLIC urged that trams should serve as a practical mode of transportation, just like in many cities around the world. Alok Jain, a transport expert from Hong Kong, agreed that making trams user-friendly is key to their success in Kolkata.

Recently, the state government proposed closing down the tram system, sparking opposition from environmental groups. Urban planners like Tathagata Chatterjee from XIM University stressed the importance of a comprehensive, data-driven strategy to address various challenges in the region. Without expanding tram routes and modernizing the fleet, cities could risk making public transport less appealing.

Cultural figures like filmmakers Gautam Ghosh and Asok Viswanathan also lent their voices to the discussion, emphasizing the need to protect the environment and sustain the tram system. Ghosh even mentioned plans for a film about climate-induced migration from the Sundarbans, highlighting the human side of this pressing issue.

In recent research, data revealed that over 50% of the Sundarbans’ residents have considered moving due to climate threats, indicating a growing crisis. As the effects of climate change become more severe, solutions like enhancing public transport and protecting natural ecosystems will be vital for the region’s sustainability and resilience.



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Sundarbans,Trams,sundarbans west bengal,Kolkata,Climate Security