Share
Go to
More than 5.2 million people in the Indian Sundarbans depend on nearly 1,800 kilometres of embankments for protection against flooding. This project helps the Government of West Bengal strengthen flood resilience by combining Dutch flood risk expertise with Indian engineering knowledge and Nature-based Solutions.
Facts
- Project type PfW Subsidy Project
- Country India (West Bengal)
- Partners Haskoning; Government of West Bengal – Irrigation and Waterways Department; Deltares
- Themes Flood protection · Nature-based Solutions · Climate adaptation · Delta management
- Duration 6 May 2024 – 13 August 2026
- SDGs SDG 9 · SDG 11 · SDG 13
A delta under pressure
The Indian Sundarbans form one of the world’s largest and most dynamic delta systems. Spread across 54 inhabited islands, the delta is home to more than 5.2 million people who depend on embankments to protect their homes, farmland and livelihoods.
The Sundarbans experience tidal ranges of up to seven metres, tropical cyclones with waves exceeding five metres and continuous shoreline erosion. During Cyclone Amphan in 2020 alone, around 700 embankment breaches occurred. Rather than repairing damage after each storm, the region needs a better understanding of the natural system and a long-term flood risk strategy.
The project builds on a Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction mission to West Bengal in 2022, which identified stronger coastal flood protection and closer alignment with the delta’s natural dynamics as priorities.
The objectives
The project supports the Government of West Bengal in developing more resilient and sustainable flood protection. It aims to improve understanding of erosion, sediment transport and flood risk and turn this knowledge into practical guidance for embankment design. It also explores hybrid solutions that combine engineering with nature, strengthens inspection and maintenance practices, and builds the capacity of local engineers to apply these methods independently.
The approach
Dutch specialists work with engineers from the Irrigation and Waterways Department to study the delta, inspect embankments and identify why particular locations fail repeatedly. They assess erosion, sediment movement, foreshore stability and mangrove cover before considering interventions.
Where local conditions allow, engineered embankments can be complemented by natural coastal buffers such as mangroves, which may reduce wave energy, retain sediment and stabilise shorelines. Field visits and technical sessions support a risk-based approach to design, inspection, monitoring and maintenance.
Better knowledge leads to better decisions – and ultimately to safer communities.
The team
The project brings together Dutch technical expertise and the West Bengal government’s local engineering and implementation experience.
- Haskoning provides expertise in flood risk management, Nature-based Solutions and resilient delta planning.
- Government of West Bengal – Irrigation and Waterways Department leads implementation and can apply the developed methods in future flood protection programmes.
- Deltares contributes specialised knowledge of delta processes and flood resilience.
Expected outcomes
The project aims to deliver improved understanding of flood risks, practical guidance for embankment design, approaches to hybrid flood protection, stronger monitoring and maintenance practices, and increased technical capacity within the Government of West Bengal. It is also intended to support preparation for future large-scale flood resilience investments.
Why it matters
Climate change is increasing flood risks in deltas worldwide. The Sundarbans project shows why resilient protection depends not only on stronger infrastructure, but also on understanding natural processes and working with local institutions. Its approach may offer lessons for other vulnerable delta regions.
Key figures
- Population dependent on embankments: More than 5.2 million people
- Embankment length: Nearly 1,800 km
- Inhabited islands: 54
- Cyclone Amphan breaches (2020): Around 700
- Tidal range: Up to 7 metres
Innovation in Progress series
This project features in Partners for Water’s Innovation in Progress series, which follows selected projects as they develop and apply innovative solutions to improve water security. The series explores collaboration, challenges, potential solutions and lessons learned.
Follow the Sundarbans journey:
