Sinking Sundarbans

A Reflection of Resilience and Vulnerability

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The Mangrove Photographer of the Year 2024 title has been awarded to Supratim Bhattacharjee for his haunting image, Sinking Sundarbans. The photograph captures a young girl standing before her tea shop, which has been devastated by rising seawater in Frazerganj, Sundarbans. This powerful image highlights the brutal realities of climate change and the impact it has on vulnerable coastal communities in one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions.

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The Sundarbans, home to the largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has served as a vital natural barrier against cyclones and storms. However, as Bhattacharjee observes, these mangroves are under siege:

“Despite conservation efforts, significant deforestation has occurred... the forest is now facing increased salinity due to the unchecked destruction of mangroves.”

This destruction has left the region increasingly exposed to rising sea levels and more frequent cyclonic events. Having grown up in South 24 Parganas, one of the most vulnerable districts to super cyclones, Bhattacharjee has experienced these environmental crises firsthand. He shares,

"I’ve covered nearly every cyclone that has hit the region, and each experience is unforgettable. I’ve witnessed people desperately searching for shelter, their homes swept away by storm surges, and their struggles to find drinking water."

His dedication to documenting the ongoing struggles in the Sundarbans reflects his personal connection to the land and the people.

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One of Bhattacharjee’s most poignant reflections is on the challenges of the region’s children.

“What saddens me the most is the plight of the children of Sundarbans—they don’t deserve to be caught in the midst of such environmental turmoil. Their books and important documents are washed away with each cyclone, leaving them in a constant state of loss and instability.”

Through his lens, Bhattacharjee captures these stories of loss, resilience, and survival.

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Judge Dhritiman Mukherjee praised the winning photograph for its emotional power:

“An image that raises a thousand questions, whilst connecting you to the girl’s heart. Her vulnerability exposes the full impact of climate change and sea level rise experienced by many coastal communities.”

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In reflecting on his advice to aspiring photographers, Bhattacharjee emphasizes the importance of both passion and knowledge.

“Passion for the environment is the driving force behind every successful environmental photographer… However, passion alone is not enough; it must be  paired with a relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding."

For Bhattacharjee, building relationships with the people who live in these climate-vulnerable regions is crucial for creating images that are not only beautiful but also deeply impactful. Sinking Sundarbans is not just a visual record of environmental destruction but a call to action. Bhattacharjee hopes his work will inspire greater awareness of the urgent need to protect our planet’s remaining natural barriers and the communities they safeguard. Through his dedication to long-term storytelling, Bhattacharjee offers a vivid reminder of both the fragility of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.

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To find out more about Supratim Bhattacharjee and his ongoing projects, visit his website.