On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, IMAGIN initiated a community-led mangrove plantation drive in Madhabkati village of the Sundarbans under North 24 Parganas District with the mission of strengthening the natural defense against river erosion and climate-induced disasters.
This initiative brought together women, men, adolescents, PRI members, community leaders, and government departments . With support from IMAGIN team members , the community identified the vulnerable riverbanks and began planting mangrove saplings on the chars.
Women from the community took the lead. Determined to safeguard their village, they joined hands with JJM field staff and local youth to green the banks of the river. The mangrove plantation is not just an environmental intervention—it is a grassroots climate action, a statement of hope and resilience.
Why Mangroves?
Mangroves are natural protectors of coastal regions. They reduce the impact of tidal surges, hold the soil together, and act as barriers against flooding. For a village like Madhabkati that annually faces saline water intrusion, riverbank erosion, and crop loss, mangroves are lifelines.
Community Impact With every sapling planted, confidence is growing among the villagers. They now dream of green riverbanks that will reduce erosion and safeguard their fragile ecosystem. The participation of all sections of the community—especially women and adolescents—has laid the foundation for sustained environmental stewardship.
A Message from the Frontline
On this World Environment Day, the people of Madhabkati and IMAGIN send out a powerful message:
“We are in the fight to save our environment. Are you with us?”
In North 24 Parganas, IMAGIN supports sustainable, community-driven water and climate resilience initiatives, with a strong focus on women’s leadership, environmental protection, and grassroots empowerment.
Location: Madhabkati Village, Yogeshganj Gram Panchayat, Hingalganj Block, North 24 Parganas
Occasion: World Environment Day
Lead Implementer: IMAGIN
