West Bengal Launches ₹4,100-Crore SHORE Project to Protect the Sundarbans

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Fri, Nov 21, 01:44 AM IST

The Government of West Bengal has launched an ambitious and comprehensive plan to safeguard the Sundarbans, one of the world’s most fragile and ecologically significant regions. With rising coastal erosion, frequent cyclones, and increasing climate vulnerabilities, this initiative marks a crucial step toward protecting both the environment and the millions who depend on it.

 

A Holistic, Multi-Department Effort

 

The state government is implementing a ₹4,100 crore, five-year project under the banner Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources & Economy (SHORE). The project brings together:

 

  • 12 government departments
  • The World Bank
  • Technical experts from Dutch Water Resources

 

This integrated approach aims to combine global expertise with local needs to build long-term coastal resilience.

 

Key Focus Areas

 

The SHORE project is designed to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Sundarbans:

 

  • Mitigating coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels and storm surges
  • Strengthening embankments to reduce flood impact
  • Developing climate-resilient infrastructure across vulnerable zones
  • Enhancing early warning systems and disaster preparedness
  • Protecting lives and livelihoods dependent on agriculture, fishing, and mangrove ecosystems

 

State-Level Oversight

 

A state-level technical steering committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, has been formed to monitor planning, progress, and implementation. This ensures coordination across departments and alignment with international best practices.

 

Wide Geographic Coverage

 

The project covers 39 habitable islands in 11 blocks across both North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. These regions face some of the highest exposure to cyclone intensity, tidal flooding, and erosion in the Bay of Bengal.

 

A Critical Step for the Future

 

As climate change accelerates, the Sundarbans stands at a crossroads. This ₹4,100-crore investment represents a significant commitment to safeguarding Bengal’s unique ecological heritage and ensuring long-term security for its people.

 

The SHORE project is not just an infrastructural initiative, it is a vital step towards building a resilient, sustainable future for one of the world’s most important natural landscapes.