GOW #16

Amtali, Sundarban Forest

West Bengal, India

 

This well is located in the village of Amtali in the Sundarbans in West Bengal, India.  The Sundarban forest lies in the vast delta on the Bay of Bengal (between India and Bangladesh) and comprises of mangrove forests, mudflats and barren land. The forest which is home to the royal Bengal tiger is under ecological threat from both human-made and natural causes and is suffering from increased water salinity due to rising sea levels and reduced freshwater supply.  Fresh drinking water is an extremely scarce resource in this region. This well is located at the main crossing of the village and serves the needs of 180 families and approximately 900 residents and travelers.  This project was in partnership with the NGO “BeesTreesWater” and the Chowrenghee Rotary Club.