Technology-Driven Heritage Project to Showcase Ecology, Culture and Conservation of the Sundarbans
Kolkata, May 18, 2026:
In a major initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the ecological and cultural heritage of the Sundarbans, the soft launch of the upcoming Sundarban Museum was held at iLEAD, Kolkata, on the occasion of International Museum Day.
The ambitious project, being developed on Gosaba Island, is being described as the world’s first AI-powered museum dedicated to the Sundarbans — the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre recognised World Heritage Site.
The museum aims to combine advanced immersive technologies with environmental education to create an international-standard experience highlighting the biodiversity, history, culture and environmental challenges of the region.
The soft launch ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests including Lt. Col. Anant Sinha, Director of The Asiatic Society; Prabir Mahapatra; and Sayantan Kanjilal, grandson of Padmashri Tushar Kanjilal.
The event also witnessed the presence of iLEAD Chairman Pradip Chopra along with academics, environmentalists, conservation enthusiasts and members of the media.
Prominent educationists present included representatives from:
- Asian International School,
- La Martiniere for Boys,
- and Jyotirmoyee Girls High School.
During the event, organisers unveiled the museum’s proposed 14 thematic galleries, each focusing on different dimensions of the Sundarbans ecosystem and its people.
The galleries will explore themes such as:
- traditional boats and river transport,
- stories of pirates and folklore,
- tribal and local communities,
- honey collection traditions,
- handicrafts and forest products,
- cyclones and climate change,
- biodiversity conservation,
- man-animal conflict,
- and the future environmental challenges facing the delta region.
One of the museum’s key attractions will be its integration of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies to create immersive educational experiences.
Among the planned features are:
- AI-generated documentary films,
- VR-AR mangrove forest simulations,
- 3D wildlife projections,
- spatial forest soundscapes,
- and interactive ecological exhibits.
A dedicated immersive gallery will recreate the atmosphere of the Sundarbans at night, featuring digital projections of the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles and other endemic wildlife species using advanced projection and audio technologies.
The museum will also demonstrate the traditional honey collection process practiced by local “Mouli” communities, offering visitors insight into one of the region’s most unique traditional livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Pradip Chopra said the museum has been envisioned not merely as a tourist attraction, but as a long-term educational, cultural and environmental awareness institution focused on promoting sustainable development and conservation of the Sundarbans.
Organisers stated that the project seeks to explain why the Sundarbans received UNESCO World Heritage recognition and why protecting the fragile mangrove ecosystem is becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change and rising environmental threats.
Select AI-generated documentary films from the upcoming galleries were screened during the launch event for invited guests.
The official inauguration of the museum is expected to take place around Independence Day in August 2026 and may witness the presence of a distinguished national dignitary.
Copyright IBG NEWS
