Mangroves – The pride of Sundarbans
What makes Sundarbans so special is, without doubt, the presence of mangroves. In fact, a healthy mangrove belt is a prerequisite for the complete formation of the islands. The root structure of mangroves not only plays a crucial role in the formation of the islands but also prevents soil erosion. The complex root structure reduces the fow of the river water that indirectly binds the soil by allowing sedimentation rather than erosion. Other than this, mangroves also help in carbon sequestration. Mangroves are powerful carbon sinks that can store carbon ten times more than terrestrial forests. Mangroves absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide from their roots, branches, and stems. When carbon-containing branches and stems fall, the detritus bury them at a greater depth accumulating sediments. The underground carbon remains buried in the ecosystem for centuries. So until it is disturbed, it remains buried under the ground