The Indian subcontinent is one of the most cyclone-prone areas globally, especially the Bay of Bengal. This region is more susceptible to cyclone genesis due to the shallow sea depths and the warm pool phenomenon, with sea surface temperatures often exceeding 28 °C. Cyclone Amphan, a super cyclonic storm, struck the Indian Ocean from May 16 to May 22, 2020. Amphan caused the death of 72 people in India. The economic toll was substantial, with damages estimated at approximately 1 lakh crore INR (around 13.46 billion USD). SEEDS’ Response and Relief Efforts The story of 64 year old Nihari from Tiakolla village highlights the personal struggles many faced. In a frantic rush to escape the approaching cyclone, she and her family left behind their food and belongings, including goats. The journey to the cyclone shelter was terrifying, marked by dangerous winds and falling trees. When Nihari returned home the next day, she found her possessions destroyed. Despite these challenges and the hardship of her life as a widow supporting a large family through prawn fishing, Nihari remains hopeful about improving her family’s living conditions one day. SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) a 30-year-old organization, with local partners, launched a 14-day mission to deliver medical assistance to those in hard-hit areas. They set up mobile health camps that traveled from village to village. Skilled doctors at these camps checked the health of the local people, provided diagnoses, and dispensed necessary medications. SEEDS also provided safe water to over 7,000 families across 15 villages in Sarada gram panchayat, Contai 1 Block, East Medinipur.
The Challenge in Cyclone prone Sundarbans : The Sundarbans region faces numerous coastal risks, including land loss due to increased erosion, damage to coastal infrastructure, and the salinization of freshwater supplies. Agricultural practices in the area are also being compromised by rising salinity and higher seawater-sulfate concentrations, primarily due to reduced freshwater run-off from eastern rivers. In response, SEEDS, with support from NVIDIA, focused on rejuvenating the Sundarbans’ natural environment and enhancing community resilience. SEEDS emphasized empowering the most vulnerable, particularly women, through nature-based solutions and sustainable livelihood initiatives. Project Objectives:: Restoring the ecological health of the mangroves, covering an area of 17.30 acres – Enhance the capacity of local stakeholders to conserve and manage mangroves sustainably. To date, the initiative has reached over 125,498 residents of the PatharPratima block in South 24 Parganas, nearly half of whom are women. Approximately 95,680 villagers have attended orientation programs, and 28,360 forest dwellers have received training in nature-based solutions for wetland and riverbank conservation. Additionally, SEEDS provided training in mangrove nursery management to 350 villagers, and 1,173 received training across five key areas, including rescue and first aid. Nature-based practices have been adopted by 21,253 families, improving the economic conditions of 65 families significantly due to SEEDS’ interventions.
Milestones and Activities: The project encompassed a series of milestones and activities, starting with a baseline assessment and the creation of a GIS inundation map, followed by a detailed assessment and social survey. Scientific analysis determined the most suitable locations for mangrove plantation. There was collaboration with the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) for the allotment of 17.3 acres of land for mangrove planting, which each group then planted and maintained. Additionally, 10 community groups per Gram Panchayat were formed and trained on riverside embankment protection, with 3 groups trained across 10 locations. Furthermore, a cleanliness drive engaged youth and women’s groups, and a task force of 100 volunteers was formed and trained. An additional 170 volunteers received refresher training on Search and Rescue, First Aid, Fire Safety, relief shelter operations, evacuation procedures, and environment and climate change adaptation strategies.Here is the data for Sundarbans from 2022 to 2024: The project undertook several activities, reaching a diverse demographic. Under Capacity Building, 114,952 people were reached, including 38,447 males, 42,848 females, and 33,657 children under 18. The Mangrove Plantation initiative reached 91,256 individuals, comprising 37,833 males, 42,411 females, and 11,012 children under 18. The Awareness activity engaged 6,373 people, with 2,576 males, 2,774 females, and 1,023 children under 18. Stream Work Protection reached 33,864 people, including 16,346 males, 13,875 females, and 3,643 children under 18. Overall, the total direct outreach of the project was 246,445, encompassing 95,202 males, 101,908 females, and 49,335 children under 18, with 64 senior citizens and 26,617 children under 18 receiving additional support. Additionally, the total indirect outreach was recorded at 12,32,225 people.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Case Studies in Stream Bank Protection: – Supriya Kayal – Stream Bank Protection, Heramba Gopalpur Supriya Kayal, a 39-year-old resident of Heramba Gopalpur, has firsthand experience of the havoc wrought by cyclones in the Sundarbans. With a background marked by hardship, including the loss of her father to a tiger attack, Supriya’s life has been a battle against natural adversities. She stepped up when SEEDs planned to fortify the streambank near her home, leading the initiative and rallying community support. Her efforts were pivotal in educating the villagers about the benefits of streambank protection, ensuring their commitment to maintaining the vetiver cultivation.- Gouri Jana – Stream Bank Protection, Dakshin Kashinagar Gouri Jana, 48, from Dakshin Kashinagar, possesses a profound understanding of the Sundarbans’ biodiversity, crucial for streambank protection efforts. After Cyclone Amphan devastated her village, Gouri advocated for the adoption of natural solutions to safeguard the area. Her leadership in vetiver plantation initiatives has not only helped fortify the streambank but has also educated her community on the importance of ecological defenses against future disasters, earning her gratitude for SEEDs and their partners. Conclusion: In the wake of Cyclone Amphan’s devastation, the story of SEEDS’ response serves as an evidence to the power of community resilience and the importance of preparedness. Through tireless efforts, SEEDS has not only provided immediate relief but also laid the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience in the most vulnerable communities.