NEWS: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed the first-ever fencing of about 90 km of the Sundarbans along the India–Bangladesh border in West Bengal to strengthen border security.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

• Implementing Agency: Border Security Force (BSF).
• BSF has initiated feasibility and technical studies for the project.
• The region currently has no physical fencing due to its challenging terrain.
• BSF presently secures the area using Floating Border Outposts (BOPs).
• The India–Bangladesh border in West Bengal is approximately 2,216.7 km long.

ABOUT THE SUNDARBANS

• Largest mangrove forest in the world.
• Located in the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta along the Bay of Bengal.
• Around 40% of the Sundarbans lies in India, while the remaining 60% is in Bangladesh.

BIODIVERSITY

• Home to 26 mangrove species, 290 bird species, 120 fish species, 42 mammals, 35 reptiles, and 8 amphibian species.
• Important fauna include: Royal Bengal Tiger, Estuarine Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Water Monitor Lizard

PROTECTED STATUS

UNESCO World Heritage Site

• India: 1987
• Bangladesh: 1997
• Ramsar Site (India): 2019
• Biosphere Reserve.
• Includes Sundarbans National Park and several wildlife sanctuaries.