Climate Change Induced Cyclone Vulnerabilities on the Inland Fisheries-Based Livelihood in Coastal Blocks of Sundarban Region, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest (SMF) situated in the south-eastern part of West Bengal, is a complex ecosystem comprising the most diverse and ample natural resources. A large number of populations in the region are dependent on fishing and related activities. But in recent times, climate change-inducedto originate intensive tropical cyclones, such as Aila (2009), Fani and Bulbul (2019), Amphan and Yash (2020, 2021) have had detrimental effects on freshwater inland fisheries in the Sundarban. This study will explore the scope and vulnerability of inland fishing in Sagar and Patharpratima, the coastal blocks of Sundarban and identify the significance of alternative livelihood with restoring sustainability to the inhabitants due to increasing environmental threat from salinity because of storm surges into the cultivated land. Consequently, it triggers an increase in salinity contamination in newer alluvial soil and a greater impact on water quality and soil fertility. However, climate change will continually impact inland fisheries in a large and often unpredictable manner and hence people’s livelihood in this highly fragile and vulnerable region.