Impact Story -1
BAIKUNTHAPUR TARUN SANGHAPragati’s Triumph: Nurturing Resilience in the Sundarbans.
In the vulnerable expanse of Sundarbans, where the relentless onslaught of super cyclones has reshaped lives, a group of determined women known as the Pragati Group is sowing the seeds of change. Hailing from the coastline of Patharpratima block in South 24 Pgs. district of West Bengal, these women have transitioned from witnessing the horrors of cyclones like Aila, Bulbul, Amphan, and Yash to becoming architects of their community’s resilience.
Until a few years ago, the Sundarbans faced a crisis of their own making. Fuelled by increasing population pressure, the locals had been cutting down mangroves and green vegetation to create farmlands and alternative income sources. This shortsighted pursuit of progress had catastrophic consequences, making the region more vulnerable. The total land area declined, river embankments weakened, and salinization threatened farmlands and inland water bodies, endangering agriculture and community health. Freshwater supplies were depleting rapidly, forcing the collectives to confront the irrevocable changes in their way of life.
In response to this crisis, with the support of NVIDIA, Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), and BTS, the Pragati Group emerged to restore life and livelihoods in the Sundarbans by reviving nature as a solution. Their focus extended beyond planting mangrove saplings; they realized the need for a holistic approach encompassing disaster risk reduction (DRR) and community resilience.
The Pragati Group actively participated in mangrove plantation work, recognizing the vital role these green embankments play in acting as a natural barrier against storm surges. They not only planted saplings but also took measures to fence and protect the mangroves, ensuring their survival. The women fortified themselves through various training programs, including fire safety, first aid, and most crucially, education on Early Warning Systems (EWS) to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective disaster response.
A shining example of their commitment lies in PurbaSripatinagar, Pathar Pratima block, where the Pragati Group engaged in vetiver grass plantations. This strategic move not only added to the resilience of the mangrove ecosystem but also contributed to the strengthening of weakened river embankments. They actively participated in building and installing soil conservation trays, a vital step in fortifying the earthen river embankments that had been compromised by years of degradation.
The Pragati Group’s transformative efforts transcend mere environmental conservation; they embody a narrative of community empowerment, resilience, and climate change adaptation. Their commitment to education and training has not only reduced vulnerability to climatic distress but has also equipped the community with the tools needed to thrive amidst adversity.
Until a few years ago, the Sundarbans faced a crisis of their own making. Fuelled by increasing population pressure, the locals had been cutting down mangroves and green vegetation to create farmlands and alternative income sources. This shortsighted pursuit of progress had catastrophic consequences, making the region more vulnerable. The total land area declined, river embankments weakened, and salinization threatened farmlands and inland water bodies, endangering agriculture and community health. Freshwater supplies were depleting rapidly, forcing the collectives to confront the irrevocable changes in their way of life.
In response to this crisis, with the support of NVIDIA, Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), and BTS, the Pragati Group emerged to restore life and livelihoods in the Sundarbans by reviving nature as a solution. Their focus extended beyond planting mangrove saplings; they realized the need for a holistic approach encompassing disaster risk reduction (DRR) and community resilience.
The Pragati Group actively participated in mangrove plantation work, recognizing the vital role these green embankments play in acting as a natural barrier against storm surges. They not only planted saplings but also took measures to fence and protect the mangroves, ensuring their survival. The women fortified themselves through various training programs, including fire safety, first aid, and most crucially, education on Early Warning Systems (EWS) to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective disaster response.
A shining example of their commitment lies in PurbaSripatinagar, Pathar Pratima block, where the Pragati Group engaged in vetiver grass plantations. This strategic move not only added to the resilience of the mangrove ecosystem but also contributed to the strengthening of weakened river embankments. They actively participated in building and installing soil conservation trays, a vital step in fortifying the earthen river embankments that had been compromised by years of degradation.
The Pragati Group’s transformative efforts transcend mere environmental conservation; they embody a narrative of community empowerment, resilience, and climate change adaptation. Their commitment to education and training has not only reduced vulnerability to climatic distress but has also equipped the community with the tools needed to thrive amidst adversity.
In the face of climatic challenges, the Pragati Group stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of women determined to shape a more resilient future. Their story is a beacon of hope, illustrating how a community, once on the brink of becoming climate refugees, can transform into a stronghold of resilience through the nurturing touch of nature and the unwavering spirit of its people.
