3 days ago
Experts, govt. officials call for urgent need for ecosystem restoration in West Bengal
Emphasising the urgent need for large-scale ecosystem restoration in the face of escalating climate uncertainties, Prabhat Kumar Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), West Bengal government, underscored the significance of the State's 'Nodi Bandhan' initiative in reconnecting rivers and wetlands to mitigate flood risks.
'Restoration of ecosystem is complex since there are multiple linkages which are not always visible. Hence there is need for strong partnership with academia to ensure that the solution is technically correct,' Mr. Mishra said, while participating in a discussion on 'Investing in Nature for Climate Resilience and Biodiversity Conservation'. The West Bengal government, in its Budget 2025-26, allocated ₹200 crore for the Nodi Bandhan scheme, aimed at arresting river erosion using hydrological models.
The Additional Chief Secretary further noted that ecosystem restoration cannot be attempted in isolation, and emphasised the need to involve local communities in the process. Speaking at the forum jointly hosted by Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) and Centre for Responsible Business, Mr. Mishra highlighted the challenges posed by rising salinity levels and the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Sundarbans, which are adversely impacting local communities.
He also observed that corporate investment in ecosystem restoration across the State has been increasing, and reiterated the government's intent to engage more intensively with the private sector to promote nature-based solutions.
Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister and Finance Department and former Finance Minister of the State, spoke on the growing importance of sustainability and multi-sectoral partnerships to mitigate climate risks and prevent biodiversity loss. Dr. Mitra urged corporates to work closely with civil society and government to scale effective initiatives, preserve biodiversity, and contribute to a sustainable future. Speaking as the chief guest, he said the West Bengal government had partnered with the World Bank to excavate 700 silted creeks in the Sundarbans.
Ajanta Dey, Joint Secretary and Programme Director, NEWS, stressed that while there was a time when humanity altered nature, the present moment demanded a return to nature. She noted that this effort required a multi-disciplinary approach. 'Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the need of the hour to address biodiversity loss, and shape a sustainable future,' she added.
A discussion paper titled Role of Businesses in Biodiversity Conservation in India was also launched at the forum. The deliberations focused on a range of themes including investing in nature for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, financing ecosystem restoration, and the role of businesses in conservation efforts.
