World Conservation Day—a sinking Sundarbans & the goddess of the forest

The recent cyclone, Amphan, that ravaged through parts of West Bengal left a sore experience for the Sundarbans. In the midst of a terrific catastrophe, residents in this natural paradise worshipped Bon Bibi, goddess of these mangrove forests. No human intervention could possibly save them from the destruction of a natural disaster. On World Conservation Day, the world needs a reminder as to why the Sundarbans is a gift to mankind, and why it should get our attention.

Why is the Sundarbans important?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve is a world renowned mangrove forest spreading across India and Bangladesh. A hotbed for biodiversity, it is currently going through numerous challenges. From rising sea level, to cyclones, the area, its people, and animals are constantly living in the fear of getting wiped out. Of course, its most famous resident, the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger is finding it increasingly difficult to survive. Repeatedly, ravaged by cyclones, the mangroves are depleting, and hence its famous tigers are losing their homes.

Not just the Bengal tiger, but Irawadi dolphins, estuarine crocodiles and Batagur baska, are all on the verge of extinction. It is also home to 260 bird species and the Indian python.
Fate of the Sundarbans

Much of the Sundarbans and its human and animal residents are now abandoned, left to their fate. The residents dearly call the mangrove area their Ma, and you learn to love her. Flooding is commonplace, so are natural disasters. Villages are on the verge of disappearing, livelihoods are on the verge of collapsing. The climate is ever-changing, the population is growing, and there is now a realisation that the trees of the forests actually protected the residents all these years. But these trees were mistreated, owing to the natural instinct of humans.

It must be strange to watch your homes getting engulfed by waters, as your belongings sail away.

In a major catastrophe five years ago, all the barriers in the eastern side of Sagar Island broke, thus destroying thousands of farmlands and homes. Even though the soil here is very fertile, you are always on the verge of losing it all.

A divine intervention

The deity of the forest, Bon Bibi is oftentimes remembered during hard times. Especially by those who enter the forest for their daily work, such as the honey hunters.

From saving residents at the hands of tigers to protecting the homes during cyclones, when all else fails, residents remember Bon Bibi. Irrespective of religious beliefs, Bon Bibi is the prime protector of all. It is said that you enter the forest on your own accord, but you leave only if Bon Bibi wants you to. You will find temples dedicated to the goddess all across the islands. The goddess is famously mentioned in Amitav Ghosh’s novel, The Hungry Tide. Here, in the Sundarbans, you will find Bonbibi’r Palagaan, which is a traditional performance to get the blessing of the goddess. Translated from Bengali to English, Palagaan means singing in turns, or taking turns to sing. The performing troupes include both Hindus and Muslims.

Some may say that nature will take its way, so yes, cyclones and natural disasters cannot be stopped. But the residents and trees of this beautiful mangrove forest can be helped. Through minimum human intervention, building a coastal land-use plan that is well-balanced, and helping the local communities. Deforestation should be a strict no-no, and tourism (if at all), must be well-monitored.