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- The level of stress caused by PM 2.5 pollutants in the Sundarbans rivals that found in urban areas.
2. The researchers examined the impact of aerosol acidity.
3. The Sundarbans confront a multifaceted set of obstacles impacting its air quality.
Preserving the Sundarbans: Battling Air Pollution to Protect a Precious Ecosystem
The Sundarbans, nestled within the sprawling delta region of the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system, stands as one of the largest and most vital mangrove ecosystems globally. Its vast expanse of interwoven forests and waterways provides a critical habitat for a myriad of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Irrawaddy dolphin. Despite its ecological significance, the Sundarbans faces an imminent threat—air pollution.
A recent study conducted jointly by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the Bose Institute, Kolkata, has shed light on the alarming impact of air pollution on the Sundarbans. This study, published in Elsevier, reveals that massive quantities of pollutants, predominantly enriched with black carbon or soot particles, are infiltrating the Sundarbans not only from nearby Kolkata but also from the broader Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region. This influx of pollutants is significantly degrading the pristine environment of the Sundarbans.
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Professor Abhijit Chatterjee, a leading researcher involved in the study, emphasized the detrimental effects of oxidative stress induced by PM 2.5 pollutants on the mangrove ecosystem. Surprisingly, despite its sparse population, the Sundarbans experiences oxidative stress comparable to that observed in many densely populated urban areas. This stress, caused by a combination of local emissions and transported pollutants, poses a grave threat to the resilience of the mangrove forests and the aquatic life they support.
“In coastal ecosystems like the Sundarbans, mangroves typically employ antioxidants to combat reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other toxic stresses,” explained Professor Chatterjee. “However, prolonged exposure to heavy metal deposition from air pollution can compromise their resistance, leading to cellular damage and disrupting the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.”
The study also delved into the impact of aerosol acidity on the oxidative potential of the mangrove ecosystem. Results underscored the intricate web of challenges facing the Sundarbans’ air quality—ranging from its geographical location and diverse weather patterns to socioeconomic factors and the transport of pollutants from neighboring metropolises.
Especially during the winter months, these factors converge to create a significant decline in air quality, posing a formidable challenge in crafting effective pollution control policies for a region inhabited by over 4.5 million people.
Beyond its ecological role, the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation. Its capacity to sequester atmospheric carbon surpasses even that of the Amazon rainforest, underscoring its importance in global carbon cycling and climate regulation.
Professor Chatterjee emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal, stressing that air pollution-induced stress disrupts this equilibrium. This disruption not only compromises the ecosystem’s resilience against natural disasters like tsunamis but also jeopardizes its role in safeguarding neighboring urban areas like Kolkata.
The findings of this study call for urgent and concerted efforts to preserve the Sundarbans. Effective measures must be implemented to curb air pollution originating from both local and regional sources. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting cleaner technologies, and fostering community engagement are essential steps in mitigating the threats posed by air pollution.
Furthermore, interdisciplinary research and collaborative initiatives involving policymakers, scientists, and local communities are imperative to devise holistic strategies for sustaining the Sundarbans’ ecological integrity amidst mounting environmental challenges.
Saving the Sundarbans: Essential Efforts and Rigorous Management
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In the wake of a recent devastating fire at Ambunia within the Chandpai range of the Sundarbans East Forest, environmental experts and local stakeholders emphasize the critical need for heightened vigilance, awareness, and responsible action to protect the Sundarbans, the world’s largest tidal mangrove forest.
Professor Anwarul Kadir, Director of the Sundarban Academy based in Khulna, stresses the importance of strengthening vigilance among forest workers and users, particularly Mowalis (honey collectors), Baowalis (woodcutters), tourists, fishermen, and nearby villagers. He highlights that most fires in the Sundarbans are man-made and not caused by natural factors like friction among trees, underscoring the need for separate forest management and potentially the establishment of a dedicated ministry akin to West Bengal’s approach in India.
Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul, Khulna Divisional Coordinator of BELA, an NGO, points to past incidents where human negligence and criminal activity were implicated in fires within the Sundarbans. He criticizes the Forest Department for previous lapses in taking action against those responsible.
Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, reassures that while the recent fire is contained, monitoring efforts will continue due to the area’s dry conditions outside of the rainy season. He notes that organic materials accumulating during the dry season contribute to fire risks, necessitating ongoing firefighting activities.
Chowdhury also acknowledges that fires have occurred in the Sundarbans at least 25 times over the past 22 years. This underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to protect this invaluable ecosystem, covering 10,000 square kilometers, with 6,017 square kilometers in Bangladesh alone.
The Sundarbans, known for its rich wildlife and unique ecosystem shaped by tidal influences and saline conditions, holds immense ecological and economic importance for Bangladesh. The forest’s name is derived from the dominant Sundari tree species that thrive in this mangrove habitat.
Efforts to safeguard the Sundarbans require collective action involving forest authorities, local communities, NGOs, and government bodies. Enhancing awareness, enforcing strict regulations, and promoting sustainable practices are imperative to ensure the survival of this vital natural resource for future generations.
In conclusion, safeguarding the Sundarbans is not merely about protecting a unique ecosystem—it is about preserving a lifeline for biodiversity, climate stability, and the well-being of millions of people. By addressing the pressing issue of air pollution, we can ensure that the Sundarbans continues to thrive as a beacon of ecological resilience and a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity.
