The Sundarbans, a cyclone-ravaged region, is facing a new crisis due to the unregulated inflow of relief that has led to massive plastic accumulation. The threats posed by plastic are manifold, with the region experiencing frequent tropical storms that cause significant devastation.
The Issue: Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is primarily caused by the buildup of plastic waste in the environment. This pollution can be divided into two categories: primary plastics such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, and secondary plastics, which result from the degradation of primary plastics.
The Reason: Accumulation of Plastic in Sundarban
Two main factors contribute to the plastic accumulation in the Sundarbans. The first is the frequent cyclones experienced by the region, leading to the need for relief and rehabilitation of inhabitants. Plastic waste associated with the relief materials used in Cyclone Amphan’s aftermath has potentially detrimental effects on this eco-sensitive area. This issue is not new; the region has previously experienced cyclones Fani and Bulbul, which also contributed to the plastic accumulation.
Tourism is the second contributing factor. Tourists often leave behind mounds of plastic waste scattered throughout the forest.
The Concerns: Increased Toxicity and Threats to the Food System
The presence of plastic in saline water intensifies water toxicity, possibly leading to water eutrophication. Eutrophication is the process where water bodies become progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients, resulting in oxygen depletion. With the Sunderbans’ proximity to the sea, the increase in plastic could lead to plastic waste entering the ocean.
Another concern is the breakdown of plastics in the water, leading to an increase in microplastics which could subsequently enter the food system.
The Impact: Affect on Livelihoods
The Sunderbans region heavily relies on fisheries and aquaculture. Any changes in this delicate ecosystem can spell disaster for both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those living there.
Existing Initiatives
In 2019, the Union government laid out a multi-ministerial plan to free India from single-use plastics by 2022. The Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 extended waste collection responsibility from the products to their producers and brand owners.
The Importance of Sundarbans
The Sundarbans region is located in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM) basin. It is home to the largest contiguous mangrove forest and the only mangrove tiger habitat globally. Beyond providing habitats for various species, mangrove forests also contribute to protecting coastlines and forming new lands through sediment accretion.
Designated as World Heritage Sites in both India and Bangladesh, the natural areas spanning 10,000 square kilometers are also recognized as Ramsar Sites or Wetlands of International Importance.
Way Forward
To combat this issue, tight maintenance of entrances to the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve and the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is necessary. Encouragement should be given to non-governmental organizations and locals to collect and recycle plastic waste. Moreover, it is crucial for the government to organize cleanliness drives to remove plastic from the Sunderbans.
