Vishal Jaiswal, a 27-year-old drone enthusiast, has turned his childhood hobby into a profession by using his skills to map the vast mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. This area, spanning over 4,000 sq miles, is the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
Jaiswal, along with his team, embarked on a challenging project to map 150 sq km of the Sundarbans in just three days. The dense mangrove forests presented a unique set of challenges, including navigating through wild animal habitats and treacherous terrain.
Their work is crucial in protecting the mangrove forests from the threats of climate change and human activities. According to a recent report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than half of all mangrove ecosystems globally are at risk of collapse by 2050.
In India, the Sundarbans are not considered endangered, but signs of stress, both manmade and natural, have been identified by scientists. Dr. Sahadev Sharma, a consultant scientist, highlighted the loss of dense mangrove cover and fragmentation due to shrimp farming and development in the area.
To monitor the health of the mangroves, scientists like Sharma are turning to technology, such as drones and Lidar scanners, to gather accurate data on the height of the mangroves in relation to sea level. This information is crucial in understanding the impact of rising sea levels on the ecosystem.
Local communities, like fisherman Laxman Anna in Andhra Pradesh, are also recognizing the importance of preserving mangrove forests for their livelihoods. By planting saplings and working with NGOs and forest departments, they are seeing positive results in their fishing yields.
Vishal Jaiswal’s story is a testament to the power of passion and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. His work in mapping the Sundarbans is not only a career success but also a contribution to the conservation of a vital ecosystem.
