Common Pool: Equitable Water Governance Brings Prosperity to Sabkhali

Jun 12, 2018
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The Sundarbans, a vast forest in the coastal region of the Bay of Bengal, are considered one of the natural wonders of the world. Lying adjacent is Sabkhali, a largely agricultural village, highly vulnerable to climate change and tidal surges, salt water intrusion, and waterlogging. The area is also very vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones Sidr and Aila, which devastated the area in 2007 and 2009.

In addition to the issue of high salinity in the groundwater, there is also a shortage of above-ground fresh water. After Cyclone Aila struck in 2009, Sabkhali Canal filled with silt. It still held water, but not enough to support the village’s crops throughout the dry season.