Exposition

Vanishing island

Daesung Lee – Photographer

On the shore of a disappearing island.

Ghoramara Island is located in the Delta region west of Bengal. Its state is caused by dramatic sea level rise due to climate change. Since the 60’s, the coasts of this island are continuously taken by the sea. Since the 80’s more than 50% of the territory has vanished because of maritime erosion. Because of this two thirds of the population has emigrated from the island.

A large number of the inhabitants who continue to live on the island are farmers and fishermen who depend on the island’s resources for their survival. According to the public official I met, within the next 20 to 25 years the Indian government could abolish the island and has already formulated an evacuation plan for the inhabitants to the island of Sagar. However, this evacuation plan does not ensure any national aid or compensation for those forced to relocate.

He could see traces of a cultural heritage dissipating with each tide. The unearthed roots of plants shattered by erosion illustrate the absence of foundation in these people’s lives. The sea is swallowing its past while its future remains uncertain.

14 de Junio / 25 de julio de 2018