Sunderban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited

 
 

Sagar Island (also known as Gangasagar) lies on the continental shelf of Bay of Bengal situated about 100 km south of Kolkata is not only a part of the unique eco-system of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve but also one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for the Hindus because of its association with the mythological and cultural heritage of Kapil Muni Temple which was first constructed by the Queen Satyabhama in 430 AD. The island is large - with an area of around 300 sq km. It has 43 villages scattered in 8 Gram Panchayats and having a population covering of over 2,00,000. Gangasagar is the place where Ganges empties herself to the sea. It is also rich in mangrove swamps, waterways and small rivers. Every year on the day of Makar Sankranti (mid of January), thousands of Hindus gather to take a holy dip in the concourse of Ganges and offer puja in Kapil Muni Temple. The relevance of Ganges and its main nerve centers manifested as important pilgrimages which includes Gangasagar predates any periodization as it marred with mythology intertwined with the civilizational progress of the Indian society.  Hindu pilgrims from every nooks and crannies of the country horded in Sagar to wade through the freezing sea water in order to seek penance and the divine benediction. Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is considered to be the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela. Apart from the thread of spiritualism the scenic beauty and tranquility of Sagar is somewhat outlandish and it can enthralled the pilgrims so that they can visit Sagar in a recursive manner. 

 

Sagar Island and its Potential of Eco-Tourism Development             

The ICZM Project intends to develop tourism activities in the vicinity of Kapil Muni Ashram and elsewhere in Sagar Island while keeping in view the fragile ecology of Sundarban. Hence, the need for developing eco-tourism facilities flow in conformity with the prevalent environmental rules and regulations including the Forest Conservation Act and Coastal Zone Regulation Act. Potential for development of eco-tourism in Sagar Island has been judged in terms of its geographic location and access, ecology, demographic, economic status of the host community and also the cluster of development initiatives inter alia to be implemented. The focal point is how through the development of eco-tourism there will be a steady influx of inbound tourists at Sagar and thereby the local populace can be engaged in a host of economic activities in a sustainable manner which will enhance the momentum of value chain through multiplier effect.

 

Sundarban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (SIDCL) which functions under the control of Sunderban Affairs Department undertakes the construction of roads, bridges, buildings, jetty, sinking of tube-well etc. in the Sundarban area. SIDCL will execute the Eco-tourism project in Sagar Island involving quality civil constructions.

 

While the guidelines of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) laid stress on integrated management of coastal areas for ecologically sustainable development. The World Bank guidelines are designed to “ensure that development and management plans for coastal zones are integrated with environmental (including social) goals and are made with the participation of those affected”.

 

Therefore the proposed eco-tourism Project has the following objectives to attains:

          ●   protecting environment in line with the existing rules and regulations

          ●   enhancing the image of the main product (Kapil Muni Ashram)

          ●   creating sustainable eco-friendly marketable products

          ●   highlighting local culture and heritage

          ●   ensuring increase in volume and duration of stay of the quality tourists

·         ensuring participation and empowerment of the host community through the formation of SHGs

          ●   participation of local people in the planning of various tourism products

The master plan for the Sagar Eco-tourism Project has been prepared connecting and integrating three project sites in such a manner so as to present a well-knit tourism spot providing both the religious and recreational activities. Each project site is independent of the other, complete with interconnecting road network and other support services. The planning has been undertaken on the principle of eco-tourism for conservation of nature and local culture, simultaneously making the products attractive to the tourist. The evolution of plan takes into account the preservation of nature and culture in its original form without least impacting the eco-balance by using local materials as much as possible. As the site lies in the vicinity Coastal Regulation Zone-I, the guideline of CRZ have not been overlooked and so a plinth level as high as 2100 mm. from the general ground level has been provided to make the buildings safe during the time of high tide. The Sagar Eco-tourism Project has been proposed in consonance with the above ICZM principles and within its ambit following will be constructed:-

1. Nat Mandir: The existing temple (constructed in 1971) is located beyond 500 mt. away from the sea shore. Since this temple is the main attraction (USP) of the Sagar Island and the single most conglomerating point of a large number of pilgrimage tourists, any attempt for tourism development in the island without considering proper renovation and refurbishment of the Temple would be a futile exercise. However, the existing Kapil muni Temple proper is being controlled by Ayodhya Hanuman Geri Trust, the owner of the property. Discussions with the temple representatives reveal that the Trust would like to undertake any renovation and refurbishment of the temple proper on its own and would not allow any other agency to do the same. They have, however, no objection if any development work is done outside the Temple proper area. Therefore, it is found prudent to leave the responsibility for renovation and refurbishment of the temple proper to the Ayodhya Hanuman Geri Trust Board only. All the development works have, accordingly, been planned on Govt. land outside the Temple proper area.

The existing Temple complex does not have any ‘Nat Mandir ’where the pilgrims could gather and wait for offering puja and chanting religious songs before the deity, a religious culture observed in most of the temple of the India. Therefore, in order to improve the image and attraction of the Kapil Muni Temple, construction of the Nat Mandir in the Temple Complex (outside the temple proper area) appears to be a logical proposition as a part of development of tourism un the island. Accordingly, one Nat Mandir, having a capacity of accommodating about 250 pilgrims, has been planned by the side of the approach road leading towards the sea. The Nat Mandir will be designed in synergy with the local culture and using locally available materials used in the island.

2. Creation of planned facilities for providing better marketing opportunities to the exiting Stall-owners near the Temple Complex-Dala Arcade

The present day Kapil muni temple complex is encircled by a large number of stalls who are vending varied puja accessories required for offering puja to the deity to the inbound pilgrims. These stalls are scattered in somewhat haphazard formations around the Temple complex and in the process it is restricting the movement of pilgrims especially during the rush hours. The entire state of affairs much to the inconvenience to the pilgrims turned to be chaotic, muggy for the pilgrims who have come all the way to pay their obeisance to the ultimate manifested through Kapil muni. It has been proposed to construct a ‘Dala Arcade’ on government land adjacent to the Temple Complex where the stall-owners will be rehabilitated for running their businesses with better facilities all through the year. This will not only improve the overall ambience of the complex but also entice the tourists to purchase some artifacts, clay sculptures, carpets, terracotta vases apart from the various stuffs like vermilion, rudraksha, colourful beads, conch shells, utensils required for offering puja to the deity.

3. Dress-changing Rooms for Pilgrims:The pilgrims who have to shove each other to take the holy dip at Gangasagar especially at Makar Sankranti and Magipurnima don’t find any changing rooms except some ragtag shanties. This situation doesn’t auger well with respect to human dignity for attainment of divine bliss. The ICZMP proposes to construct dress changing rooms- temporary structures with lightweight fiber for the inbound tourists / pilgrims (10 for gents and 10 for ladies).

4. Emergency Medical Unit with office for Mela Authority: Sagar does have some basic health care facilities but this existing service is inadequate to cater to the medical needs of the mammoth crowd during Gangasagar Mela. However in order to augment facilities pertaining to emergency health care services to the tourists, construction of the Emergency Medical Unit with an office near the Temple Complex has been planned. Facilities in this emergency medical unit will be similar to a Primary Health Centre where there will be provision for two beds for the patients for providing medical treatments in case of emergency.

5. Toilet Blocks-Open defecation during the time of Gangasagar Mela is a common thing to happen where people in large numbers congregate in a place devoid of any washroom facilities.  The ICZM Project proposes to build two toilet blocks in a bid to restore some semblance of hygiene and sanitation.

6. Meditation Centre (cluster of 2 Meditation Hall) –A dome-type cluster of 2 Meditation Halls capable of accommodating 60 pilgrims at a time has been planned to be executed. The meditation centre designed as a hemispherical domed structure will have a landscaped garden all around with water bodies to create an environment conducive to meditation.

7. Kapil Muni Mythological Interpretation Centre – The interpretation center will portray mythological story related to the Ganga, Bhagirath and Kapil Muni to be depicted in this centre through different paintings, statues (both static and dynamic) coupled with light and sound programmes. The interpretation center is expected to be one of the main attractions for the religious-minded tourists visiting the island.

8. Sundarban Bio-Diversity Interpretation Centre – This will provide a rare opportunity to the tourists to have a glimpse of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve which represents a unique ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity.

9. Marine Aquarium-cum-Museum – This aquarium has been planned not only to show marine species but also various other varieties of fishes available from estuarine water in the nearby Sundarban region. This will definitely improve the attraction of the site to all cross sections of tourists, particularly the younger ones.

10. Green House for floral species especially Sundarban varieties – Tourists will get an opportunity to appreciate the local flora in this Green House. This will be a great attraction to the nature-loving tourists.

11. Handicraft Centre – This centre will help in promotion of local handicraft items. Local handicraft items may be displayed and sold by the artisans here. This will aid in generating some employment through direct and indirect means.

12. Folk Entertainment Centre (Open-Air) – This centre will help in the promotion of local folk music and dance. Tourists will get an opportunity to witness the rich folk culture of the Sundarban region. This will also provide an opportunity to the local artists to opt for an alternative livelihood.

13. The existing ponds will be illuminated along with the sitting arrangements- all these to lure the tourists to stay for longer periods at Sagar.

14. Provision of Landscaping will be there for with internal pathway and lighting.

15. Water Supply System: The drinking water will be sourced from underground aquifers by sinking deep tube wells. The water will be drawn by electricity-operated submersible pumps and will be stored in overhead storage tanks for maintaining round-the-clock water supply. The water will be supplied to different consumption point at a minimum terminal pressure (0.1N/mm²) to effect satisfactory flow rate through a designed distribution pipe networks. To maintain an uninterrupted water supply in case of failure of any pumps or tube wells, interconnection between the headers of the pumps has been proposed to supply water from the working pump.

16.Sewage Disposal System: In order to maintain a green environment, efficient treatment of wastewater has been propose through (a) primary treatment of sewage by anaerobic system in septic tanks and (b) proving secondary treatment of the effluent of septic tanks by installing up flow anaerobic submerged filters. Finally the wastewater with BOD₅ concentrate less than 30 ppm will be disposed of either by land absorption or by discharging into the water bodies created inside the project sites. The top surface of the beach area being silted with sand, land absorption by installing soak galleries will not create any pollution hazards, particularly when the potable water of the area is obtained from much deeper aquifer.

The disposal of storm water will be effected by land infiltration through soak galleries or by discharging into the nearby water bodies by means of surface drains. Since no disposal is planned in coastal waters, the carrying capacity of waters (6.5 to 7 mg/l DO) will not be exceeded as per primary water quality criteria spelt out by CPCB for coastal waters.

17. Solid Waste Management

Solid waste management has been considered to be an integral part of clean environment. The solid waste to be generated daily by dumping of litters and trashes by day-trippers will be collected in bins. Biodegradable organic matters will be sorted out and will be treated by constructing vats for Vermicomposting and other materials not reclaimable will be transported and disposed of by land filling. There will be no disposal of solid waste in coastal waters. Thus, BOD of creek and river waters will not be affected.

 

Operation and Maintenance Planning for the Eco-Tourism Complex

The Sagar eco- tourism project clearly delineates its Operation and Maintenance through a clearly crafted plan of action. It suggested the assets that will be created will be maintained initially by SIDCL but revenue generation mechanism through levy of appropriate user charges will be enforced in a calibrated manner. Local NGOs /CBOs can also be engaged in ensuring the service quality of different facility junction points.  A well-structured revenue recovery plans with dedicated tariff charges for water and power supply, sewerage systems etc. together with some state subsidy will ensure the fructification of the project. It has also been proposed that through MIS monitoring and tracking of the Project Accounting, Assets Management, etc. will be done in real terms.

Dept of Bio-Chemistry

University of Calcutta 

Human dependence on coastal ecosystems is increasing at an unprecedented rate, which is likely to rise to over nine billion by 2050, according to United Nations Population Division. The impacts of human pollution and habitat alteration are most evident and of greatest concern at the microbial level, where a bulk of production and nutrient cycling takes place. Vibrant marine and coastal ecosystems provide valuable services in terms of nutrition security, resources for economic development and restitution to a weary being as he scouts for some places along the shoreline in the quest of tranquillity. The changes in ocean chemistry due to global warming or greenhouse gases will adversely affect the physical and biological characteristics of coastal systems, modifying their ecosystem structure and functioning. As a result, coastal nations face losses of marine biodiversity, fisheries, habitat loss, nutrient pollution, shorelines, etc. unless some scientific intervention is there for restoration of the equilibrium.

The eastern part of the coastal region of West Bengal is characterized by the spectacular mangrove forest of Sundarbans. The forest performs several important ecological functions for its sustenance. On one hand, the mangrove forest acts as a bio-shield against severe storms and cyclones coming from the Bay of Bengal that have the potential of causing large scale damage to the coastal areas. On the other hand, the mangrove forest participates in complex physical, chemical and biological interactions that produce a unique ambience for healthy and luxuriant growth of the forest. People living in and around the forest draw their livelihood from the living and renewable resources provided by the forest. The forest acts as a sink of carbon in as much as it is suspected that they emit methane, a greenhouse gas, to the atmosphere. It is also known that carbon dioxide is produced by heterotrophic activity in a mangrove swamp. However, a correct assessment of the contribution of mangrove forest towards controlling the climate change/global warming is still not available due to absence of reliable measured data. Conversely, the expected changes in carbon bio-geochemical cycle in the mangrove system in relation to the anticipated climate change/global warming are still to be understood due to the aforementioned reasons.

The life forms in the Sundarbans have a complex inter-related existence to maintain equilibrium dynamics within the extant of physical and chemical environment. The mangrove produces rich organic debris (consisting of decaying spores, pollens, seeds, leaves, fruits, twigs and branches of trees, etc.) due to its high biological productivity with unique concentrations of nutrients in the debris.  The nutrients are released both to the water and soil of the mangrove wetland of Sundarbans. Parts of these “foods” are consumed by a group of organisms (like fishes, birds, amphibians, mammals, etc) either directly or through the water or the soil medium to sustain their body metabolic functions. The other parts are assimilated in the substrate soil, “consumed” by various forms of microbes which return some part of the “digested” consumed food to the soil as organic fertilizers. The fertilized soil (humification) thus supports further luxuriant growth of the mangrove forest. There is, however, a residual flow of nutrients and organic carbon from the mangrove system to the coastal water. The microbial diversity of a mangrove forest is mind-boggling and the various forms interact with the environment at various energy levels to set up a complex food web and growth of mangrove vegetation.

Background

It has been noted that the coastal and estuarine wetlands in the Sundarban region are in dire risk due to sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion. The impact of natural and anthropogenic stressors on biogeochemical cycles in coastal and inland wetlands is also taking its toll on the fragile ecosystem of Sundarban as gradually the salinity gradient moved into the saline/tidal marshes, then brackish marshes, freshwater marshes, and ending with freshwater/forested wetlands.

It has been worked out that within the ICZMP, Calcutta University will act as one of the Pilot Investment Executing Agencies that will perform basic research work to explore diversity of microbes in Sundarban and their role on withstanding coastal erosion and other ecological processes, etc. The University of Calcutta is supposed to investigate the following:-

·         Understanding the functioning of the Sundarbans mangrove system through the research on activities of the microbes present in the substrate sediments and understanding the role of microbial diversity in maintaining the system.

·         Understanding the natural process of capture of carbon and emission of greenhouse gases from mangrove forests of Sundarbans thereby assessing the contribution of mangrove forest towards controlling global warming.

·         Predicting the changes in carbon bio-geochemical cycle in the mangrove system of Sundarbans in relation to climate change/global warming.

·         Understanding the natural process of flow of the nutrients and organic carbon from the mangrove system to the coastal sediment and water in Sundarbans to self-support the mangrove system of Sundarbans.  

·         Assessing the amount of carbon sequestration through mangrove forest of Sundarbans towards controlling global warming.

In order to achieve the above objectives, one research program has been envisaged. Planned procurement of the instruments as envisaged in the present project will essentially support two research programs as part of capacity building of the participating departments of the Calcutta University.

The first program will involve collection of representative soil and water samples from areas of Sundarbans having different vegetation assemblages and analysing the microbial diversity using structural and functional metagenomics. For this purpose one Pyrosequencer and Thermocycler or PCR machine have already been purchased. Pyrosequencer is the main instrument which provides detailed DNA sequence of the DNA samples. Pyrosequencer can also be used for performing both structural and functional metagenomics in order to understand microbial diversity. A Gel Documentation System has also been procured. Thermocycler has been used for the purpose of DNA amplification.

The program includes the following objectives:

• measurement of CO₂ sequestration and CH₄ emission from the mangrove forest and water,
• estimation of bacterial abundance (BA) and bacterial productivity (BP),
• measurement of inadvertent fertilization by nutrient flux (dissolved inorganic nitrogen), dissolved inorganic phosphate silicate from rivers
• measurement/estimation of residual flow of nutrients and organic carbon from the mangrove system to the coastal water

The other instrumental facilities that have been procured are:

·         Upright wide field research microscope with bright field, dark field, phase contrast and fluorescence with CCD camera and software

·         Total carbon analyzer

·         Liquid scintillation counter

·         Variable temperature programmable Incubator with Shaker system (BOD incubator)

·         Nitric oxide analyser

·         Fluorescence spectrometer with life time measurement

The University of Calcutta planned to execute the entire task in micro stages that are as noted as:

¨       Reconnaissance survey of the entire area, selection of field stations, gathering of basic knowledge about the area, recruitment of research personnel, procurement of instruments.

¨       Sample collection for bacterial culture and to undertake organic, pollutant and chemical analysis of coastal sediments.

¨       Metagenomic analysis and cataloguing of bacterial population.  Estimation of primary productivity of the ecosystem. Measurement of nutrient flux.

¨       Collation of data and Information, computational and bio-informatics study, model development.

Expected Outcome

Expected outcome of the project is cataloguing and describing the microbial diversity of Sundarban which is needed for the conservation and sustenance of this heritage site. The capacity building through this project will also construct an instrumental facility to support marine research. The third outcome is to create awareness among the new generation regarding the importance of coast and marine areas.

The project cost has been estimated at `5.6 crores out of which capital cost will be about `3.125 crores towards procurement of equipment and recurring cost will be about `2.475 crores. 

Department of Disaster Management, Government of West Bengal

The Sundarban Delta Complex which has geo-genetic link to the tectonic Bengal Basin known for its startling coastal landforms that include back dunal mudflats, back swamps, saltmarshes and tidal creeks enshrouded with mangrove vegetation, low gradient supratidal and intertidal shores with mud bank, swales and berms, rivulets, tidal flats etc. However despite the mind boggling floral and faunal diversity Sundarban is very much vulnerable to natural hazards e.g. storm surge, flood, tidal wave, cyclone etc. Moreover due to rising sea level, the existing coastline is retreating at alarming rate which is symptomatic to some impending natural catastrophes. The inhabitants of the Sundarban estuary probably have acclimatized themselves how to live on facing the nature’s wrath. Sundarban is still recuperating   from the brunt of Cyclone Aila that devastated thousands of hectares of once fertile agricultural land adjoining the mangrove forests into a wasteland. The loss of human life and property is beyond any estimation in real terms. The aftermath of these kinds of cyclones and storm surges is on the livelihood of the people at large as due to the ingress of saline sea water into the lush green fertile fields used for paddy cultivation, these tracts of land rendered useless for any kind of agricultural activities.

The ICZM Project understands that fructification of the project can be done only when the people living on the vulnerable coastal zones can be safeguarded to a certain extent from the natural calamities like flood, cyclone, hail storm, thunder squall and sometimes even to tsunamis that occurred due to geo-morphological, climatic and seismic conditions. 

 Department of Disaster Management, Government of West Bengal has been entrusted with the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed Multi-Purpose Cyclone Shelters (MPCS) as envisaged in the ICZM Project. The estimated cost of the project is 32 crores. Department of Disaster Management has been assigned this project component because it plays a pioneering role in establishing necessary systems, structures, programs, resources, capabilities for reducing disaster risks in the State in order to save human lives and property, avoid disruption of economic activity and damage to environment and also to ensure the continuity and sustainability of development.

The construction of MPCS will not only pave the way for increasing the resilience of the communities during calamity, but also opening avenue for social coordination and enhanced capacity to shoulder responsibility by operating the shelters in a gainful pro-social way.

The MPCS has a multi–pronged approach in catering to the needs especially of the disadvantaged sections of the populace through a string of activities such as:-

1.    Minimization of loss of lives, property and livestock by providing it shelters during cyclone calamity

2.    MPCSs will act nodal points for receipt and dissemination of cyclone warnings

3.    MPCSs will provide the warehousing facilities of essential stocks/ items for post disaster  usage

4.    The nodal points for carrying out post disaster response and relief activities will be from MPCSs

5.    MPCSs will also provide temporary protection from the heavy downpour during the  monsoon and also from the scorching heat during the summer to the shelter less people

6.    Basic health services like immunization programmes can be administered through these MPCSs

7.    MPCSs will acts models for safe construction in vulnerable seismic zones.

The basic design of the MPCSs is that it will be of 3-storied building with stilted ground floor without any wall for keeping the rescued livestock during disaster times. The construction of the MPCSs will be done keeping in mind the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces that may be exerted upon the MPCSs whenever such eventualities arise. The proposed MPCSs will have separate living area, drinking water and toilet facilities for men and women. Water would be pumped to tanks on roof top in normal course and also prior to occupation in case of a disaster warning. Bore well with hand pump will be provided near shelter in villages having no piped water supply scheme. MPCSs will be equipped to provide facilities for basic medical relief during and after the disaster. MPCSs will also have separate allotted spaces for keeping valuables and household treasure troves. The MPCSs will have provisions for Kitchen utensils and Gas Chula. MPCSs will also be fortified with necessary equipment whose requirements are high during the time of exigencies such as:-

¨       Generator Sets

¨       Light & fans

¨       Life Buoy

¨       Life Jacket

¨       Rope

¨       Stretcher

¨       Telescopic Aluminum Ladder

¨       First Aid Box

¨       Fire extinguisher

¨       Notice Board

¨       Black Board

¨       Solar lantern

¨       Inflatable Tower Light

¨       Portable Power Saws

¨       Siren

¨       Hand Held Mega Phone

¨  Flexi-water tank with 
   200 lit. capacity

¨       Hand Held Search Light

¨       Foldable stretcher

¨       Free Power Radio

¨       Water Filter

¨       Foldable Stretcher

¨       Steel Almirah

¨       Repair Kit (Shovel, Trowel, Kadei, Hammer, Chisel)

¨       Rescue Kit

There will be MPCS Beneficiary Committees (MPCSBC) comprising the elected member of Gram Panchayat and four/five other local persons for each of the MPCSs for keeping constant vigil on the quality of materials and construction.

          Operations & Maintenance of Proposed Cyclone Shelters

It is proposed that, after construction, the management of the cyclone shelters would be entrusted to the District Magistrates, who, in their turn, would hand over those to the Block Development Officers(BDO). The BDOs will hand over possession and maintenance to MPCS Maintenance Committees (MPCSMCs) comprising the elected member of Gram Panchayat and four/five young and energetic villagers. In cases where the shelter is proposed to be used as a School, it shall be entrusted to the Department of Education. Gram Panchayats will form Multi-purpose Cyclone Shelter Management Committees in respective villages and that will be intimated to the concerned BDOs for incorporating their names in a register. The MPCSMCs will be in charge of day-to-day maintenance and monitoring of the shelters in those sites which will not act as schools. The committee will collect suitable maintenance fees from the users by putting them to economic use for social functions and community based socio-cultural activities such as:

• Community centre for functions on a rental basis
• Anganwadi centres
• Artisan complexes
• Integrated service delivery centre for the activities like training programmes, group meetings of youth, men and women
• Health camps
• Veterinary camps
• Welfare hostels

Wherever the asset is utilized by the Department of Education to operate as primary schools, the maintenance activities, standard security measures and drills will be carried out by the Head teacher of the school.  In other cases where the MPCSMCs operate and maintain the asset, the responsibility of security and maintenance measures will be carried out by the Block Development Officers.  The costs towards such measures and maintenance will be drawn from the regular operational budgets of the Department of Education and Disaster Management, as the case may be.

Corpus fund for maintenance

For sustainable maintenance of the shelter buildings, it is proposed that a corpus fund of Rs. 3,00,000/- per shelter will be created.  The corpus fund will be kept in a fixed deposit scheme with a locking system for three years in the nearest nationalized bank or post office in the joint account of the MPCSMC. The MPCSMC cannot withdraw the amount or the interest accrued for first 3 years. After 3 years, the capital and the interest will form the capital for the next term of deposit. The interest accrued from the said deposit only can be withdrawn by the MPCSMC in the 6th year and be spent for maintenance of the building. The committee cannot withdraw the principal amount at any point of time and without prior permission of the concerned district magistrate. They can only utilize the annual interest accrued on the deposit and can spend along with the users fees collected towards maintenance of the MPCSs.  The unspent interest will be deposited in the joint account for expenditure in the subsequent years.

Capacity Building

The Department of Disaster management has also embarked upon to conduct some training sessions which will help in mitigating the risks owing to the occurrence of natural hazards to a certain extent. The Search and Rescue training will be as per the standardized specification of Civil Defence Organization in the State. The First Aid training will cover all the major aspects of first-aid techniques. The training format will be as per the specification of Indian Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance and the training will be imparted by the trained lecturers of the aforementioned organizations.

Teachers will be sensitized on basic disaster preparedness aspects and school safety measures to disseminate information to the students. School Education & Mass Education Departments of the government of West Bengal will be requested to keep at least one hour of time in a week for the students of high schools for disaster awareness generation.

The local NGOs and CBOs will be involved in the public interactive platform component for creating mass awareness. Display of educational video films and posters pertaining to natural catastrophes will be publicized at the community level. The NGOs will be chosen in consultation with State Inter Agency Group, West Bengal. District Magistrate, South 24 Parganas, will be the mainstay in this programme for conducting all trainings in the district smoothly and in a structured way. Three-tier Panchayat Raj Institution will be fully involved along with the district administration for better coordination in the field level activities to be taken up under the programme.

INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project, West Bengal

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India (MoEF) requested the assistance of the World Bank for financing an investment project referred to as “India: Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project” (hereinafter referred to as “ICZM Project” or the “Project”), with an overall objective of assisting the Government of India in building national capacity for implementation of the new integrated management approach for India’s coastal zones, and piloting the integrated coastal zone management approach in the three states of Gujarat, Orissa and West Bengal;

The Project includes four components (Component One: the National Component has the specific objectives to establish and support an appropriate national institutional structure for guiding and coordinating coastal zone management, including, as sub-components: (a) hazard line and coastal sediment cell mapping; (b) mapping of ecologically sensitive areas; (c) establishing a new national institute for sustainable coastal zone management; and (d) national level capacity building; and Components Two, Three and Four aimed at piloting the integrated coastal zone management approach in Gujarat, Orissa and West Bengal, respectively);

To exclusively lead implementation of the Project, and to achieve the Project Development objectives for the West Bengal Component of the Project, the Government of West Bengal has created a special purpose vehicle, called the West Bengal State Project Management Unit (SPMU), and has appointed the Institute of Environmental Studies & Wetland Management, Salt Lake, Kolkata to be the SPMU;

Component Four for West Bengal, aimed at developing and empowering state level authorities to adopt appropriate ICZM approaches consistent with national strategies, includes sub-components: (a) preparation and adoption of an ICZM plan for the coastal stretches of West Bengal; (b) institutional strengthening and capacity building at the State level; and, (c) pilot investments consistent with local ICZM priorities around three themes of (c-i) Conservation and protection of coastal resources; (c-ii) Environment and pollution management; and (c-iii) Livelihood security of coastal communities.

Duration of the Activity: The execution of the Activity will be carried out between the 1st September, 2010 to 31st August 2015. Total cost of the project will be Rs. 300.26 crores out of which Government of West Bengal shall have to make a payment of about 7%. Rest 93% Which comprises of the loan from the World Bank and the matching grant from Government of India will come as a grant to Government of West Bengal.

The activity (a) above will be implemented by SPMU, and activities under (b) and (c) above in West Bengal will be implemented in partnership with the following Pilot Execution Agencies – Calcutta University (CU), Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM), Directorate of Forest, Government of West Bengal, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI);  Public Health Engineering Directorate (PHED), Government of West Bengal, and Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority (DSDA). West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Limited (WBFCL), West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL), Sundarban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (SIDCL), Department of Disaster Management, Government of West Bengal

West Bengal coast can be divided into three major sectors namely : Sundarban sector (Mangrove area), Haldia sector (Industrial area) and Digha Sector (western part of West Bengal with sandy beach and micro-tidal range). ICZM Project has planned to make investment in two focal areas, namely   : (a) In Sundarban Sector – Sagar Island (under Sagar Block) and (b) Digha-Shankarpur area in western coast. All the development works under this project will be concentrated in these two areas. The details of work to be undertaken in two sectors are as follows:

(a)  Sagar Island :

       i)            Sundarban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (SIDCL) will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for (i) Development of eco-tourism in Sagar Island and (ii) Livelihood Improvements and Market access in Sagar Island, South 24-Parganas District, West Bengal. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 6463  lakhs (Rupees sixty four  crores sixty three lakhs).

     ii)            The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Distribution of grid electricity for household connections in Sagar Island. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 3470 lakhs (Rupees thirty four crores seventy lakhs).

(b) Digha – Shankarpur Area

       i)            The Digha–Shankarpur Development Authority (DSDA) will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for (i) Beach Cleaning & Sanitation, Environmental amelioration along the Beaches, Livelihood Generation etc. (ii) Solid Waste Management and (iii) Development of Drainage System and Phytoremediation at Digha, Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 6,525  lakhs (Rupees sixty five  crores twenty five lakhs) out of which SPMU will provide Rupees 6509 lakhs (Rupees sixty five crores nine lakhs).   

     ii)            Public Health Engineering Directorate (PHED), Government of West Bengal, will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Renovation of Sanitary Sewerage Scheme for Digha area. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 3559 lakhs (Rupees thirty five  crores fifty nine lakhs) out of which SPMU will provide Rupees 2982 lakhs (Rupees twenty nine crores eighty two lakhs).

   iii)            West Bengal Fisheries Corporation Limited will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Post Harvest Handling and Fish Auction Centre at Digha Mohana. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 681 lakhs (Rupees six  crores eighty one lakhs).

   iv)            Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Government of India, will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Strengthening of Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre  at Digha. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 593 lakhs (Rupees five  crores ninety three lakhs) out of which SPMU will provide Rupees 268 lakhs (Rupees two crores sixty eight lakhs).

     v)            The Directorate of Forests will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Afforestation Programme towards Coastal Protection around Digha – Junput area. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 539  lakhs (Rupees five  crores thirty nine lakhs).

 In addition to these sector specific works, some general development work along the entire coastal West Bengal will also be undertaken foe ensuring safety and security of the coastal communities. Directorate of Relief, Government of West Bengal, will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Construction of Cyclone Shelter Facilities in Coastal West Bengal. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 3,200 lakhs (Rupees thirty two crores).

Capacity Building Programme

       i)            The University of Calcutta will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Capacity Building for Biodiversity Studies in Sundarbans. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 560 lakh (Rupees five crores sixty lakhs).

     ii)            Institute of Environmental Studies Wetland Management (IESWM) will undertake the responsibilities for planning, designing and executing the activities related to the Pilot Investment in the Project for Capacity Building for Modeling of form-process-response in Sundarbans due to Climate Change. It also includes a small component of supporting in construction and operation of an Interpretation Centre on the Sundarbans by  Tagore Society for Rural Development. The total cost of the Activity will not exceed Rupees 824 lakh (Rupees eight crores twenty four lakhs).