West Bengal to Plant Three Crore Mangroves in Sundarbans

The West Bengal government has announced plans to plant three crore mangrove saplings in the Sundarbans region. The plantation drive is scheduled to take place between October and December to restore the natural green cover in coastal areas.

Reason for the plantation drive

The state government stated that illegal cutting of mangroves has weakened the natural protection of coastal areas against cyclones, tidal waves, and floods. Officials highlighted that mangroves act as a natural shield against extreme weather and tidal flooding. Reports indicate that mangrove areas have been cleared illegally in various parts of the coastal belt, and some forest and irrigation department lands have been encroached upon for brick kilns.

Future environmental targets

Beyond the Sundarbans project, the state government has set a broader target to plant 10 crore trees across West Bengal by March 31, 2027. Additionally, there is a plan to plant 20 crore trees by 2027 through the Developed India-Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural). This announcement was made during the launch of the Sabuj Swatantrata campaign, which involves planting 50 lakh saplings across the state in a single day. You can find more information on government initiatives at National Informatics Centre.