Lohachara Island Island

Lohachara Island was a small inhabited island in the Sundarbans delta in the Indian state of West Bengal. It gained attention because it was reported to have been submerged and lost to erosion and sea-level change in the late 20th or early 21st century.

When inhabited it supported a small local population and simple rural livelihoods tied to the Sundarbans’s tidal environment. Because it has been submerged, it no longer functions as a settled island and is cited in discussions about coastal change and displacement in the delta.

Historically the island formed part of the complex of tidal islands, creeks and mangroves that make up the Sundarbans; its disappearance reflects processes of shoreline change and land loss that affect the wider region.

The island lay within the Sundarbans region of the Bay of Bengal along the coast of West Bengal in eastern India, within a low-lying mangrove-dominated delta.

• Submergence status: Reported to have been submerged and rendered uninhabitable by coastal erosion and sea-level change in the early 21st century, and is no longer an inhabited island.

Located in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal; access is by boat through mangrove channels from coastal towns such as Gosaba or Namkhana. Local conditions and tides dictate safe travel; coordinate with local authorities or guides.

• Lohachara Island has been cited in discussions of sea-level rise - research trips are organised rather than casual visits; check with regional authorities before attempting to approach.
• Do not assume safe landing: mangrove channels and shifting sediments make access hazardous.
• If studying climate impacts, coordinate with academic institutions or local environmental groups who have historical data.