Aila, the cyclonic storm, which hit West Bengal about a fortnight ago, has left the sinking islands of Sunderbans in South 24-Parganas vulnerable.
Non-government organisations working in the area say that the islands have converted into "saline ponds", leaving the soil unfit for agriculture for at least three years.
Over the last few years several corporates and multilateral organisations had extended support to provide alternative livelihood, but in the absence of a strong government support, the lush green fields of Sunderban might vanish very soon, said experts.
For example, Royal Bank of Scotland, under Sunderban Lifeline, has set a budget of Rs 1.15 crore, to provide alternative livelihood for the people in four villages in the delta region. The two key components of the project are promoting livelihoods and natural resource management including mangrove plantation and water management.
