Multi dimensional Assessment of Air Pollution Evolution in the Sundarban Deltaic Region in context of Climate Change and Socio-Economic Dynamics.

Sundarbans is a biodiversity hotspot sprawling across eastern India and Bangladesh, often subject to various biospheric research. Despite being one of the keys to coastal resilience building and climate change mitigation,  it remains one of the most vulnerable areas in terms of environmental degradation and economic instability. This multi-dimensional study aims to look into the temporal evolution of air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) along with the urbanization of the highly sensitive biodiversity hotspots of Sundarban Deltaic Region by using long-term satellite and reanalysis datasets. The time series analysis of the air pollutants, including PM, NOx, CO, and CO2 showed an increasing trend of the pollutant concentrations, mostly owing to anthropogenic sources and climate change. The enhancement of air pollutants along with climate parameters like temperature indices within densely vegetated regions such as the Sundarbans, a biodiversity hotspot, raises considerable concern especially when the region’s socio-economic statistics have also deteriorated over the years.

This study also aims to assess the effectiveness of NBS in carbon sequestration through mangrove plantations implemented by diverse stakeholders over time. Further, the socio-economic dynamics of communities depending on mangrove resources were studied by utilizing various district-level surveys, plantation statistics, field surveys and stakeholder consultations. It was found that the communities have been most dependent on the mangrove species for firewood even after the advent of LPG which does undermine the Government’s efforts for clean fuels in homes. Though the households continue to graze cattle and use firewood, the awareness amongst the vulnerable populations regarding the importance of mangroves has improved. The planting of mangrove trees has not only contributed to ecological benefits but also brings in economical benefits for the communities involved. The initiative carried out in areas identified as vulnerable under the Panchayat's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 100-day work scheme, aims to provide employment opportunities to rural households by guaranteeing at least 100 days of wage employment per year, and in the context of mangrove plantation, it aligns both environmental conservation, economic development goals and women participation. Women's participation is actively observed in the plantation and maintenance of mangroves, which gives them economic benefits at the same time aligning with the goals of habitat preservation and climate mitigation. This symbiotic relationship proves to be the key to several potential environmental initiatives that positively impact the livelihoods of local populations.