Climate change and rising sea levels are pushing farmers deep into the mangroves of the Sundarbans where they become victims of deadly tiger attacks.
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Bay of Bengal, faces a complex scenario of human-tiger conflict, influenced by climate change. With rising sea levels and embankment destruction due to cyclones, both human settlements and tiger habitats are affected. The unique Sundarban tigers, known for hunting humans, add to the mystery of their behavior, with theories linking it to saline water and improperly cremated corpses. The region witnessed 437 human-tiger conflict incidents between 1999 and 2014, averaging 29 per year, according to researcher Chandan Surabhi Das. Climate change exacerbates the situation, forcing some locals into the forest for livelihood during the economic strain of events like COVID-19.
The Sundarbans, a crucial frontline in global climate change, experiences the devastating impact of cyclones and tidal surges, affecting embankments and agricultural land. Farmers face challenges due to saline water, compelling some to migrate for work. Tigers, losing hunting grounds to rising water levels, confront humans more frequently. Fishermen, armed with local deity Bonbibi's blessings, enter the forest for high-value crab hunting, facing risks and limited government support. The region's complex dynamics persist, marked by illegal entries, denial of compensation, and the cyclical nature of events with powerful cyclones perpetuating the ongoing challenges.
Author: Sudip Maiti
Place: South 24 Paraganas, West Bengal
Edited by: Novita Singh
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