Kolkata, 5th June 2024: On World Environment Day, youth, women entrepreneurs, and farmers across West Bengal came together to participate in workshops, training, and activities focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This collaborative effort aligns with this year’s World Environment Day theme and aims to address the severe environmental challenges plaguing the state.

SwitchON Foundation released a pivotal report highlighting the critical issues facing West Bengal. The report reveals that 24% of the state’s soil is degraded due to erosion, salinization, and nutrient depletion, affecting 1.8 million hectares of land. The report also notes that 70% of West Bengal’s agriculture depends on groundwater, which is depleting at a concerning rate of 3 cm per year. Moreover, land degradation is predicted to reduce crop yields and food security by 20% by 2050 due to climate change, with desertification rates increasing 30-35 times in recent decades.

As of 2022, the state has a net availability of 21.41 BCM of groundwater, but the extraction level is 47.01%, reflecting a significant increase over the past five years. Drought occurrences in West Bengal have doubled in the last decade, exacerbated by poor soil moisture retention in districts like Purulia, Bankura, and Birbhum. The IPCC projects an average temperature rise of 0.5-1°C by 2029, with the effects already manifesting through erratic monsoons and rising temperatures.

Vinay Jaju, Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation, stated, “The findings of our latest report are a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and land restoration efforts in West Bengal. With 24% of our soil degraded and groundwater levels declining at an alarming rate, it is imperative that we take immediate action. Our initiatives, ranging from waste management drives to regenerative agriculture training and renewable energy workshops, are designed to tackle these challenges head-on. By empowering communities and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to build a resilient and thriving ecosystem for future generations.”

In response to these alarming findings, SwitchON Foundation has launched a series of impactful initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering climate resilience. Over a thousand environment enthusiasts, including children, youth, and women, participated in a mega dry waste collection drive across several cities in West Bengal, such as Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur, Howrah, and Titagarh. The event, organized by SwitchON Foundation, resulted in the collection of approximately 850 kgs of dry waste.

In Kolkata, a ‘Plant-based Food Cooking Workshop’ was conducted in collaboration with partners like Vegan Daily and Samayu to promote the adoption of plant-based diets, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. The waste collection drive, supported by various partners, aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of improper waste disposal and the collective responsibility to maintain clean and sustainable surroundings. Collected dry wastes, including pens, paper, plastic bottles, and electronic devices, were submitted to designated recyclers for proper disposal and recycling.

SwitchON also facilitated various competitions such as best-from-waste, poster-making, and drawing contests, along with plantation drives to foster a deeper connection to environmental issues and inspire positive action. Additionally, the foundation hosted training programs and workshops aimed at empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices. More than a thousand farmers, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the state received valuable training in regenerative agriculture, renewable energy solutions, and climate-resilient crops.

Suggested Ways for Ecosystem Restoration by SwitchON Foundation:

• Promote Regenerative Agriculture: Increase food production while preserving ecosystems through regenerative agricultural practices.
• Utilize Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming: Implement AI techniques for crop selection, yield prediction, soil compatibility classification, and water management.
• Preserve the Soil: Maintain healthy, productive soil through organic and soil-friendly farming practices, including zero-tillage and strategies like mulching and drip irrigation.
• Protect Pollinators: Reduce air pollution, minimize the harmful effects of fertilizers and pesticides, and preserve wetlands, woodlands, and meadows.
• Revitalize Freshwater Ecosystems: Improve water quality, remove invasive species, replant native vegetation, and implement wastewater innovations to address sewage management and urban flooding.
• Renew Coastal Belts: Adopt frameworks to safeguard marine and coastal biodiversity, and restore blue ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs.
• Reintroduce Nature to Urban Spaces: Enhance urban forests, preserve city canals and ponds, and create green areas to improve air quality and biodiversity.

Purabi Roy, Founder of Development Action Society said, “By working together, we can achieve significant positive impact. Our partnership with SwitchON Foundation has enabled us to reach a wider audience and drive meaningful change in the areas of land restoration and renewable energy.”

This collaborative effort demonstrates a strong community commitment to addressing West Bengal’s environmental challenges and fostering a sustainable future.

Media Dossier

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