High and dense population
The population of the Sundarbans delta region is predominantly rural and consists of marginalized communities such as fishermen, farmers, and tribals. These communities have limited access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and other basic services, which contributes to the region's underdevelopment.
According to the 2011 census, 44 lakh people are living in Sundarbans. The average population density of Sundarbans is close to 987/km²; (high compared to 435/km² population density of India). This has led to a range of socio-economic and environmental problems.
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Impoverishment
The delta's remote location and challenging terrain makes it difficult to economically develop the region.
The lack of employment opportunities and resources has resulted in poverty and inadequate education. Additionally, the region is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, which adds to the already dire living conditions of the people.
According to World Bank, the average per capita income in Sundarban is only about Rs 74 per day (barely at the BPL).
Some of the vulnerability indicators are shown in the maps below—
Landlessness is another major problem in the region, as much of the land is either eroded or subject to government regulations due to its ecological significance.
This denies close to half the population to grow food.
Below is the occupation pattern of the people--
Migration
Said to be one of Asia’s most significant environmental migration, almost 75% of people move out in search of jobs and to escape the natural calamities.
The region's vulnerability to climate change, landloss along with limited access to resources compel people to seek hope elsewhere.
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Majority of the migrating locals are males. They go as construction labour or agricultural labour and return to Sundarbans during the rice harvesting time in monsoon. Average monthly remittance sent is around ₹17,500.
Living life in the delta is quite challenging, to say the least.
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