The Sundarban is in a constant battle against nature’s rage. Rising seas slowly swallow the land, forcing families to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Cyclones crash through the region, leaving behind destruction and salt-soaked fields where crops once bloomed. Freshwater sources turn brackish, and fishing nets come back emptier each day, as the delicate balance of the ecosystem stalls. Despite these challenges, the people of the Sundarbans fight to adapt—replanting mangroves to shield their shores and learning to farm crops that can endure the salt like Red beets, Cabbages, Indian spinach, Coriander etc.

​

Responding to the climate, People are viewing concrete houses as a secondary option while continuing to rely on their traditional mud houses for their thermal comfort. These homes, crafted from local materials, are no match for the relentless storms and flooding that ravage the region. Seeking safety and durability, families are turning to concrete houses, many of which are being built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

 

The government schemes offering financial aid for construction fall far short of the funds needed to complete a reinforced cement house. Even this limited funding gets siphoned off before reaching the villagers, leaving many homes incomplete. To finish their houses, people are forced to take out high-interest loans, dragging them into an endless cycle of debt. These concrete structures have also fueled a dream of city-like homes, shaping an idealized aesthetic that villagers now strive for, often at the cost of and sustainability. The newly built homes may appear sturdy at first glance, but the saline underground water slowly corrodes the steel bars within the concrete, weakening their foundation over time. Repairing these concrete structures is no easy task, often requiring external expertise and resources. In contrast, traditional mud houses are not only easier to repair but also align with the skills of the local community, who have mastered the art of maintaining them over generations.

Scattered across the Sundarbans, cyclone shelters stand as lifelines during storms, offering refuge to countless families. 

 

Yet, as the floods grow more frequent and severe, the conversation is shifting to long-term solutions. Architects and planners are proposing houses on stilts, a design that could lift homes above the rising tides. The villagers, deeply rooted in their ways, are hesitant to embrace such a drastic shift from their traditional living styles. New-age architects face the challenge of not just designing for resilience but also winning the trust of the people, showing them that these elevated homes could offer safety without completely erasing the identity of their land and culture.

​

The younger generation in the Sundarbans dreams of a life beyond the mangroves and mud paths, yearning for better opportunities in bustling cities. Some have broken barriers, becoming doctors, government officers, and professionals. They return now and then, bringing hope and support to their struggling villages. In recent years, improved road connectivity has come at a cost, as canals built alongside these routes have increased salinity in freshwater by linking to rivers, disrupting the delicate balance.

 

The lack of government transparency around new job opportunities in the area has had a ripple effect on education. Schools are being merged due to resource constraints, leaving them with minimal staff. As a result, students are struggling to receive the quality education they deserve. As more young people leave in search of brighter futures, the villages are left clinging to fading traditions.Yet, amidst the migration, some see opportunity in the crisis and are choosing to stay, carving out a new future for the Sundarbans. Entrepreneurs are stepping in, transforming challenges into possibilities. One such example is Gramer Bari, a resort that seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern vision. Built with local materials and designed to reflect the local culture, it offers tourists an immersive experience of Sundarbans life while providing much-needed employment to locals. These initiatives create sustainable livelihoods, showing that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of identity.