I live in a very remote area of Bangladesh, in the Burigoalini Union in Shyamnagar. The people of this area face the impacts of cyclones and river erosion every now and then. These cyclones worsen river erosion and continue to wreak havoc on the lives of those who live here. The most recent, Cyclone Amphan 2020, was devastating for the region and no area was spared from its effects. Numerous people's houses, paddy, ponds, vegetable farms, and shrimp farms were damaged. The majority of the people’s livelihood depends on shrimp farming, but their work is disrupted by erosion, inundation of waters, and cyclones. River erosion caused by repeated cyclones is plaguing the people of the area.
A ray of hope in my area is the youth volunteers who have been tirelessly working to build resilience in the region since Cyclone Amphan, 2020.Sixteen young individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 30, are working in the Swapnorath Organization (SR), which was founded shortly after Cyclone Amphan. Together, with the organization I was able to teach the people of the area to deal with the river erosion and other environmental problems through a variety of adaptation strategies. These young people have devoted themselves to the service of their communities, including various issues related to climate change.
It can be said that our organization has played a pioneering role in raising the awareness of the people of the area from the previous symptoms of a cyclone and taking the elderly, children and women to the shelter. The funding of the organization comes from contributions made by the organization's members. The organization took a number of initiatives after the cyclone. Many trees were damaged as a result of Cyclone Amphan. With the support of the forest ministry, we planted 350 salt-resistant coconut seeds at the time. Many people in the area are afflicted with various diseases, and they have received financial assistance in this regard from them. We have an issue with pure drinking water because the area has a salinity problem. The youth organization has arranged for them access to clean drinking water (5000 liter drums). Owing to the fact that many children are unable to receive an education due to poverty, the youths have provided private tutors to encourage them to study.
River erosion occurs in the aftermath of any type of calamity. We came together after sensing a need, noticing that when the locals face any river erosion, the government is not able to take immediate action as needed. During that time, the government requires 2-3 days to take action. At the time, all of the youth volunteers as well as all of the individuals in the area, worked together to prevent river erosion.
Although there is insufficient budget for the construction of the dam, it takes a minimum of four to five days to start the work. And if the dam is not repaired within these four to five days, it will cause huge damage to the locals. To this end, the local youth came together and encouraged all the people of the area to take the lead in constructing the dam.
In addition, a large number of trees and houses were damaged in the area during cyclone Amphan 2020. Locals also suffered financial losses due to the coronavirus coupled with the devastating Yaas that occurred in 2021. The only reason for this is the inability of the locals to work outside. The youth volunteers tried to help some of the helpless people with whatever limited resources they possessed, through which the locals found some relief and hope.
In conclusion, this youth organization is an example of the grassroots ways that the youth struggling with disaster in the Sundarbans are working towards change and a brighter future. The youths have plans to provide climate change adaptation training and financial assistance to the inhabitants of the area in the future. Above all, their only motivation is that they have always been, are and will be by the side of their people.
