South 24 Parganas (দক্ষিণ ২৪ পরগনা) is a district in southern West Bengal, India, stretching from Kolkata’s southern outskirts to the Bay of Bengal. It is known for the Sundarbans, a vast tidal landscape of mangrove forests, rivers and islands, and for coastal communities closely connected to this environment.
Bengali is widely spoken, and local culture reflects Hindu and Muslim traditions, folk practices and river-based livelihoods. Fishing, farming, aquaculture, trade and tourism support the economy, alongside urban employment near Kolkata. Notable destinations include Sundarbans National Park, Sagar Island’s Gangasagar pilgrimage site and the riverside town of Diamond Harbour.
Residents commonly focus on cyclone preparedness, embankment maintenance, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion. Safe drinking water, reliable transport, healthcare and education are important, particularly on remote islands. In more urban areas, drainage, waste management and infrastructure draw attention. Across the district, livelihoods and development remain closely linked to environmental protection and disaster resilience.