Sundarbans development debate deepens amid Centre-Bengal mudslinging

The Sundarbans, a vast deltaic region spanning parts of India and Bangladesh, is not just a geographical marvel but a critical ecological zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. This unique ecosystem plays an indispensable role as a natural buffer against cyclones and tidal surges, protecting millions of people in the hinterland. However, it is also one of the most climate-vulnerable regions globally, facing relentless threats from sea-level rise, increased frequency and intensity of cyclones, and salinity intrusion. It is against this backdrop of immense ecological significance and acute vulnerability that a recent political dispute has emerged between the Union government and the West Bengal state government, highlighting deep-seated challenges in governance, development, and inter-state-centre relations.

The current 'mudslinging' involves allegations from a Union Minister accusing the West Bengal government of mismanagement in the Sundarbans' development and tourism promotion initiatives. This includes purported inefficiencies in project implementation, lack of transparency, and failure to optimally utilize central funds or schemes designated for the region. Conversely, West Bengal state ministers have countered these claims by alleging a lack of adequate cooperation and financial support from the Central government. They argue that the Centre's allocation is insufficient given the scale of the challenges, and that bureaucratic hurdles or delayed approvals from Union ministries impede the progress of vital development projects. This political blame game leaves the hapless local population, already grappling with poverty and the constant threat of natural disasters, in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

Key stakeholders in this intricate debate include the **Union Government**, primarily through ministries like Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Tourism; and Rural Development, which formulate national policies, allocate funds, and oversee large-scale projects. The **West Bengal State Government**, particularly departments such as Forest, Tourism, and the Sundarbans Affairs Department, is directly responsible for on-ground implementation, local governance, and addressing the immediate needs of the population. The **local communities** are arguably the most crucial stakeholders, as their livelihoods, safety, and cultural heritage are intrinsically linked to the Sundarbans' health and sustainable development. Finally, **environmental NGOs and scientific research institutions** also play a vital role in advocating for conservation, conducting research, and monitoring ecological changes, often bridging the gap between policy and grassroots reality.

This debate holds profound significance for India. Firstly, it underscores the persistent challenges in **federal environmental governance**. The Sundarbans, being a transboundary ecosystem and a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. The political friction jeopardizes the effective implementation of crucial climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, which are essential for protecting both the environment and human lives. Secondly, it highlights the vulnerability of millions of Indians residing in ecologically fragile zones. The Sundarbans is home to approximately 4.5 million people on the Indian side, many of whom are dependent on forest and aquatic resources for their livelihoods. Inadequate development and disaster preparedness exacerbate their poverty and exposure to risks. Thirdly, the dispute reflects broader issues in **Centre-State relations** in India, particularly concerning resource allocation and policy implementation in critical sectors. Such disagreements can stall progress, create administrative paralysis, and ultimately harm the welfare of citizens, contradicting the spirit of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Historically, the Sundarbans has been a focus of various development initiatives, including the establishment of the Sundarbans Development Board in 1973 (under the West Bengal government) and numerous central schemes under plans like the National Coastal Zone Management Programme. However, the region's unique challenges — its remoteness, difficult terrain, high population density, and extreme vulnerability to natural disasters — have consistently hampered sustained progress. The recurring nature of political disputes over funding and implementation has been a consistent impediment, preventing a cohesive, long-term vision from taking root.

The future implications are stark. A continued political deadlock threatens to derail essential development projects, including the construction of embankments, promotion of sustainable aquaculture, and diversification of livelihoods, leaving the local populace even more susceptible to the devastating impacts of cyclones (like Amphan in 2020 and Yaas in 2021) and slow-onset climate change effects. It could also hinder the development of responsible eco-tourism, which, if managed sustainably, could provide alternative livelihoods and incentivize conservation. A collaborative approach, transcending political differences, is imperative. This would involve joint planning, transparent allocation and utilization of funds, and a focus on community-centric, science-backed solutions.

Constitutionally, several articles are relevant. The **Seventh Schedule** of the Indian Constitution outlines the distribution of legislative powers. 'Forests', 'Protection of wild animals and birds' are in the Concurrent List (List III), meaning both Centre and State can legislate. 'Public health and sanitation', 'Agriculture', 'Fisheries' are in the State List (List II). 'Shipping and navigation' and 'Ports' are in the Union List (List I). This shared responsibility often leads to coordination challenges. **Article 282** allows the Union or a State to make grants for any public purpose, even if it's not within their respective legislative competence, forming the basis for central financial assistance to states. The **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, the **Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972**, and the **Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications** issued under the Environment Protection Act provide the legal framework for environmental governance and protection of ecologically sensitive areas like the Sundarbans. Furthermore, the **National Disaster Management Act, 2005**, guides the institutional and legal framework for disaster preparedness and response, a critical aspect for the Sundarbans. The ongoing debate underscores the need for effective implementation of these constitutional provisions and statutory frameworks through cooperative federalism to safeguard this invaluable natural heritage and its people.