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Bangladesh Mangroves & Karthik

02nd April 2024

Karthik stomped his feet while entering the room as he learned that they had to pack their bags and leave for Dhaka the same night. Kamal had no option but to take Karthik with him, the cons of being a single parent you see. Kamal's organization thankfully allowed that and always made sure their employees traveled comfortably and their stays were well-organized. On the whole flight, Karthik did not speak a single word with Kamal as he was upset, he had missed the game night and sleepover planned with his friends. They took the cab from Dhaka airport to Char Kakri Mukri, Kamal held Karthik's hand and said, "I know you are upset right now, but it won't be the same after the trip. You will like it." Karthik shook his hand out and in a disappointed tone replied, "Ya ya, whatever!"
To add to the disappointment, they had to deal with a flat tire, it was the left rear wheel. The driver did not have an extra tire and had to call for help from the resort as there was no other option nearby. Instead of being seated in the same seat for an infinite time, Karthik thought of getting down and exploring the area. As far as the eye could see, there was endless greenery spanning the horizon. It was a dense cluster of trees, with a river on three sides and the sea on the fourth side. Karthik was surprised to see the roots of those trees above the ground. It was new for him, as 11 years of his life he had seen roots being beneath the ground back in Kolkata.

"This is called mangrove. And for the people of Char Kukri Mukri, Bangladesh, the mangrove is nothing short of a savior. Standing at the mouth of the sea, it serves as a massive natural wall protecting the island from natural disasters, similar to how a parent shields a child from physical danger", explained Kamal. Karthik listened to him quietly, was waiting for him to say more, but did not question as he had to convey his prolonged disappointment. He started walking, Kamal warned him not to go far. After walking for a few minutes, Karthik came across a small Chai Tapri, he realized that would probably be the source of information then! So he made a deliberate halt and tried to involve himself in the conversation that the group of 4 sitting there was already having.
"Kaka, these trees with their roots above ground look so haunting. I mean, it's good to have such extensive vegetation, but why not choose normal trees over these scary trees?" Karthik asked curiously. One of them smiled at him and said, "Human settlement on the island dates 150 years, prior to the independence of Bangladesh. In 1970, mangroves didn't exist in the area. When a tropical cyclone hit the region that fall, it caused extensive damage, washing away the entire island and claiming an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 lives nationwide. The United Nations Meteorological Organization says it is the deadliest recorded cyclone in the world's history." Karthik was listening quietly as the man paused to sip some chai. "It would be so horrible!" exclaimed Karthik. "It sure was. After the cyclone, those living in the affected areas recognized the role mangroves can play to protect them from natural disasters. Locals worked with government initiatives to create the Kukri Mukri mangrove. Now, survivors of the tragic cyclone reminisce over what could have been: "If there had been this mangrove during the cyclone of 1970, we would not have lost relatives, we would not have lost resources," says one local.



More than 50 years later, the island has a new identity built on the devastating lessons learned from the cyclone: It is now a refuge for those affected by river erosion and natural calamities caused by the climate crisis; people now move to the island to build homes.
"What caused the cyclone to cause so much damage?" Karthik asked them in shock. The villagers say, "There was no embankment and the lack of trees left people's homes vulnerable and unprotected. Extremely high tides washed everything away. But now, thanks to the mangrove, the villagers have a sense of security."
"Mangrove forests were planted in many places after the cyclone of 1970," said another resident. "In 50 years, those plants have grown a lot. These mangroves are now our shield. We do not feel the storm due to the forest."
Near thetapri , Karthik saw a board of KMGCI and further enquired about it. "Kukri Mukri Green Conservation Initiative (KMGCI) is a group of local youths, this initiative leads various programs to conserve mangroves. Measures include raising awareness among locals, volunteering in campaigns, and partaking in eco-tourism efforts."
After seeing the pain of losing their family, Karthik realized his mistake of not behaving properly with his father. He went back with a change of heart and hugged him like never before. The tire was also repaired and the journey continued.
This post is a part of the #BlogchatterAtoZ challenge.

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