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NGT Demands Long-Term Plan as Sundarbans Erosion Swallows Islands

The National Green Tribunal has expressed serious concern over the rapid erosion in the Sundarbans, particularly the severe shrinkage of Ghoramara Island. It directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive, long-term protection strategy, rejecting temporary fixes. Data reveals the Indian Sundarbans have lost over 250 sq km of land since 1969, with Ghoramara's area more than halving. A joint committee has been given three months to prepare a detailed plan focusing on mangrove protection and erosion control.

Key Points: NGT Seeks Long-Term Strategy for Sundarbans Erosion Crisis

  • NGT raises alarm over rapid coastal erosion
  • Ghoramara Island has lost over 50% of its land
  • Erosion driven by sea-level rise and cyclones
  • Committee formed to draft a 3-month protection plan
  • Next hearing scheduled for May 2026
2 min read

Sundarbans erosion: NGT seeks long-term protection strategy

NGT directs authorities to create a detailed protection plan for the eroding Sundarbans, where Ghoramara Island has lost over half its land since 1969.

"temporary and patchwork measures will not solve the problem - National Green Tribunal"

Kolkata, February 19

The National Green Tribunal has raised serious concern over the rapid erosion of land in the Sundarbans, especially the shrinking of Ghoramara Island in West Bengal, and has directed authorities to prepare a detailed and long-term protection plan.

The Tribunal made it clear that temporary and patchwork measures will not solve the problem.

The matter was taken up suo motu based on a news report highlighting that nearly 40% of Ghoramara Island could disappear by 2042.

A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member, observed that coastal erosion in the region is a serious environmental issue that requires coordinated and scientific action.

During the hearing, the West Bengal government informed the Tribunal that the Gangetic delta is facing severe erosion due to several reasons.

These include natural geological changes, rising sea levels, frequent cyclones, and reduced supply of sediment because of upstream dams. Studies placed before the Tribunal showed that many islands in the Sundarbans are highly vulnerable, and some have already completely disappeared over time.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) submitted data showing that the Indian Sundarbans have lost more than 250 square kilometres of land between 1969 and 2019. In the case of Ghoramara Island, the land area has reduced from 8.59 sq. km in 1969 to 3.83 sq. km in 2019. This significant loss, the GSI said, is due to a combination of sea-level rise, regional subsidence, strong tidal currents and repeated cyclonic storms.

Although the West Bengal Coastal Zone Management Authority informed the Tribunal about embankment repairs, anti-erosion works and strengthening measures undertaken in recent years, the NGT found that no comprehensive plan has been placed on record for long-term protection of mangroves and prevention of coastal erosion. The Tribunal observed that such ad-hoc steps would not bring lasting results.

In view of this, the NGT constituted a Joint Committee comprising the Director General of Forests from the Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Bhubaneswar and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, West Bengal.

The Committee has been asked to prepare a detailed plan for protecting mangrove forests, controlling coastal erosion, enhancing mangrove cover, and identifying the estimated cost, funding sources, responsible agencies and timelines. The Committee has been given three months to submit its report. The matter will now be heard again on May 28, 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
The data is shocking - 250 sq km lost in 50 years. This is a national security issue too, as it's our border region. The mention of upstream dams reducing sediment is key. Need a holistic river basin management approach, not just state-level fixes. Kudos to the NGT bench.
A
Aman W
Ghoramara Island is just the tip of the iceberg. So many islands have vanished. Mangroves are our natural shield against cyclones. Instead of concrete embankments, we should focus on massive mangrove regeneration. It's cheaper and more effective in the long run.
S
Sarah B
While the directive is good, I'm skeptical. Another committee, another report. What about implementation? We need strict monitoring and accountability. The article says the matter will be heard in 2026 – that's a long time. Erosion won't wait for bureaucratic timelines.
K
Karthik V
This is heartbreaking. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique ecosystem. The loss of land means loss of habitat for the Royal Bengal Tiger and so many species. Climate change is hitting home hard. We need global cooperation, but our own action first.
M
Meera T
The state government's ad-hoc measures clearly aren't enough. A central-level committee with MoEFCC involvement is the right step. Hope they consult genuine experts and the local communities who understand the land and water dynamics best. Jai Hind.

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