The world’s largest mangrove forest Sunderbans took a major hit,
consequence of being in the eye of cyclone Aila that caused
havoc in parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Climate experts
have warned of the grim possibility of frequent storms in the
area, a direct consequence of global warming and climate change.
Aila has laid to waste all work done by the World Wildlife Fund
on the southernmost islands to help protect residents from
rising sea waters due to global warming. The entire Sunderbans
biosphere reserve area of 9600 square kilometres suffered
extensive damage, all major dykes breached and water levels in
the numerous creeks and inlets overflowing to dangerous
proportions. Over a lakh people and livestock have been affected
to a great degree. Even though resuce and relief operations are
being done on a war footing, it throws focus yet again on the
pressing issue of climate change and the urgent need to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Dont forget that the Sunderbans is the
natural home to the famed Be