In the remote Sundarbans region, home to over 4.6 million people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the introduction of electric ferries marks a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation. Sanjay Mondal, a boat operator in the Pather Pratima block, now uses an electric-powered boat instead of the traditional diesel-run motorboats that typically pollute the environment. This pioneering vessel, equipped with lithium rechargeable batteries, offers a cleaner alternative, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs associated with diesel engines.
Electric ferries are seen as a promising solution to combat the severe environmental damage caused by diesel-powered boats, which emit high levels of pollutants and contribute to the deterioration of the region's ecosystem. According to a study by the Bose Institute and IIT Kanpur, the local diesel boats release trace metals into the atmosphere, threatening the health of the Sundarbans' mangrove forests, which act as natural barriers against cyclones and rising sea levels.
However, despite their environmental benefits, electric ferries face significant challenges in the Sundarbans, a region already grappling with weak electric infrastructure. The project, initiated by WWF-India and supported by HSBC in 2023, aims to reduce carbon emissions and maintenance costs. Yet, experts highlight that the region's power supply remains unreliable, especially during emergencies like cyclones, which frequently disrupt service. A 2020 WWF-India study pointed out that while the electric infrastructure is improving, the region’s complex geography and remoteness continue to hinder stable power delivery.
Experts such as Martin Shefler, co-founder of Auroville Consulting, emphasize that the success of electric ferries hinges on whether the supporting infrastructure is resilient to the region's climate challenges. As the region is hit by frequent cyclones and floods, ensuring reliable power supply and developing climate-resilient infrastructure will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of electric ferries in the Sundarbans.