Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the work of women in West Bengal’s Sundarbans during the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on September 27, 2026. He spoke about women who lost their husbands in tiger attacks and found new strength and income by planting and caring for mangrove treesKey HighlightsPM Modi spoke about women working in the Sundarbans.Some women lost their husbands in tiger attacks.Mangrove work has helped them find a new way to earn.Mangroves also help protect the Sundarbans environment.Women Find New Strength Through Mangrove WorkThe Sundarbans is a large mangrove region in West Bengal. Many people living there depend on forests and waterways for their daily needs. Fishing, crab collection, honey collection and tourism are important sources of work in the area. In Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi shared the story of women who faced a very hard loss. Their husbands were killed in tiger attacks while working in the forest.After this loss, these women had to find a way to support their families. Mangrove plantation gave them a new path.They began planting and caring for mangrove trees. Through this work, they were able to earn money and build a new life.Mangroves Support Local LivelihoodsMangrove forests are very important for the Sundarbans. They provide shelter for many animals and help protect the coastal area.The Sundarban Tiger Reserve says mangrove plantation is also linked with local livelihood support. Its plantation work includes local people in activities such as collecting seedlings and preparing land.The forest department has also worked on large-scale mangrove plantation in the region. The programme aims to restore damaged mangrove areas and protect the ecosystem.Mangroves can also help protect areas from storms and other natural threats. They support fish breeding and help preserve biodiversity.PM Modi Shares Story of Women’s CourageThe story shared by PM Modi shows how local people can take part in protecting nature while also finding work.For the women of the Sundarbans, planting trees is not only about the environment. It has also become connected with their daily lives and family needs.“Mangrove plantation is providing livelihoods to women in the Sundarbans.”The story also highlights the link between women’s livelihood and environmental protection. When local people take part in conservation work, they can help protect forests while earning an income.Why Mangrove Conservation MattersThe Sundarbans faces many environmental challenges. Mangrove forests are important for the region’s people, animals and waterways.The Sundarban Tiger Reserve says mangrove restoration can support livelihoods without damaging the forest. It also notes that mangroves provide breeding grounds for fisheries and can act as carbon sinks.PM Modi’s message in the 138th Mann Ki Baat placed attention on the women who are rebuilding their lives through this work. Their efforts also show how local communities can play a role in protecting the Sundarbans.Also Read : Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Praises Youth for Joining Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, Urges Support for Drug-Free India
