07 jan 2013
Since the phenomenon of rising sea levels as a result of global
warming is now widely acknowledged, it is high time governments wake up
to the need for taking precautionary measures in order to prevent the
submergence of low-lying areas. In view of the latest finding that the
oceans are rising 60 per cent faster than what was estimated earlier,
the urgency for protective steps has become greater. The Sunderban Delta
in India and Bangladesh, which is the home of the famed Royal Bengal
Tiger, is one area which faces the threat.
According to researchers at the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, the increase in the rising sea level has been from 3.14 millimetres annually to 8 mm by 2010.
Nearly four million people live in the Sunderbans, which is the world’s largest mangrove forest, harbouring 26 species of trees, 234 species of birds and 47 species of mammals. The area represents a unique ecosystem in view of its daily submergence in tidal sea water. Much of this will change, however, if the sea continues to rise relentlessly and does not withdraw as at present during ebb tide. It will not only be the locals whose existence and livelihood as marginal farmers and honey collectors will be threatened. No one knows what will be the impact on wild life, mainly tigers and crocodiles, as they are driven towards higher land near large human settlements.
Before the conditions go beyond control, steps like strengthening the mangrove plantations have to be taken and dykes built to check and regulate the flow of sea water. Since a larger part of the Sunderbans is in Bangladesh, the two neighbouring countries have to jointly fight the menace posed by global warming. Taking preventive steps only on one side of the border makes no sense.
According to researchers at the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, the increase in the rising sea level has been from 3.14 millimetres annually to 8 mm by 2010.
Nearly four million people live in the Sunderbans, which is the world’s largest mangrove forest, harbouring 26 species of trees, 234 species of birds and 47 species of mammals. The area represents a unique ecosystem in view of its daily submergence in tidal sea water. Much of this will change, however, if the sea continues to rise relentlessly and does not withdraw as at present during ebb tide. It will not only be the locals whose existence and livelihood as marginal farmers and honey collectors will be threatened. No one knows what will be the impact on wild life, mainly tigers and crocodiles, as they are driven towards higher land near large human settlements.
Before the conditions go beyond control, steps like strengthening the mangrove plantations have to be taken and dykes built to check and regulate the flow of sea water. Since a larger part of the Sunderbans is in Bangladesh, the two neighbouring countries have to jointly fight the menace posed by global warming. Taking preventive steps only on one side of the border makes no sense.
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