“We live in a region where high tides are part of life. This mangrove wall is our shield, protecting us from nature’s challenges.” — Thakur Das Burman, Kalitala village, Sundarbans (West Bengal)
A Community-Led Climate Solution
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the world’s largest mangrove forest—home to diverse wildlife and communities that have coexisted with nature for generations. The region faces regular tidal shifts and cyclonic storms, making adaptation and resilience essential for survival.
When Cyclone Aila hit in 2009, Kalitala, a village on Dulduli Island in the Sundarbans, saw its landscape change. The cyclone impacted access to drinking water, agricultural land, and key roads, posing challenges to daily life.
Yet, the people of Kalitala responded not with despair, but with action.
Restoring Access Through Collective Action
Kalitala, located on the banks of the Kalindi River, was initially cut off from essential services after the cyclone. The village’s main road—connecting homes to the Public Health Centre, school, and local market—was washed away.
Rather than waiting for external intervention, the community took charge. They gathered scattered bricks and materials to reconstruct a 1.5 km motorable road—a project made possible through Goonj’s Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative.
Planting the Future: The Rise of a Mangrove Wall
In 2011, as part of Goonj’s rehabilitation efforts, 60–70 villagers planted mangrove saplings in the most exposed area where Cyclone Aila had struck hardest.
In a region where water levels rise and recede daily, they worked with the tides—planting saplings as soon as the water pulled back, before the waves returned.
Three years later, the saplings had transformed into a dense, 100,000 sq. ft. mangrove forest shielding the village from tidal surges, coastal erosion, and future cyclones.
Nature as the Best Protection
Mangroves serve as natural sea walls, absorbing up to 75% of wave energy—far more effective than artificial concrete embankments. Their deep-rooted systems prevent erosion, stabilize coastlines, and provide a thriving habitat for biodiversity.
For the people of Kalitala, these trees are more than just an ecological safeguard—they are a symbol of resilience and self-driven change.
Scaling Sustainable Solutions Across Communities
Kalitala’s story is a testament to what’s possible when resources are seen as enablers, not aid. It’s a reminder that real change begins when communities take the lead in shaping their own future.
Be a Part of This Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
Read more about how circular solutions are transforming communities:
https://goonj.org/environment/your-old-material-and-the-ecology-of-sunderbans/
