Andokban

Andokban is a small, uninhabited island located in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India. It is part of the South 24 Parganas district and is situated within the Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is characterized by its dense mangrove forests, which are typical of the Sundarbans ecosystem. These forests are crucial habitats for a variety of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

The geography of Andokban is dominated by the estuarine environment, with a network of rivers, canals, and tidal creeks crisscrossing the island. The terrain is low-lying and prone to tidal inundation. Access to Andokban is primarily by boat, and due to its remote location and protected status within the national park, it is not a tourist destination in the conventional sense. Limited human activity occurs on the island, mainly related to conservation efforts or scientific research. The ecological significance of Andokban lies in its contribution to the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the larger Sundarbans delta. Its mangrove forests play a vital role in coastal protection, acting as a natural barrier against storm surges and erosion.