Golpata collection has started in the Sundarbans with a target to collect 20,000 metric tonnes but wood collectors (Bawalis) are losing interest in it as demand for the leaves keeps shrinking.

Abu Naser Mahsin Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans West Zone, said this year, the local administration has set a target to collect 8,250 metric tonnes of Golpata leaves (Nipa fruticans) from Khulna range while 4,550 metric tonnes and the rest Golpata from Satkhira range.

Anisuzzaman, Shyla Golpata well officer, said there are three wells of Golpata leaves in the Sundarbans and target has been set to collect 7,000 metric tonnes of leaves from these wells.

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Golpata leave collection that began on January 28 will continue till March 31.

Boats having capacity of carrying 500 tonnes Golpata leaves will be allowed in the Sundarbans and this year, the authorities concerned has set Tk 60 as revenue for per quintal Golpata.

Talking to some Bawalis, this correspondent found that the number of Bawalis is comparatively low due to shrinking demand for Golpata which is usually used for making house roofs.

Now people use corrugated iron sheet roofs for their houses that’s why the many Bawalis lare losing interest in Golpata collection, he said.

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Mir Kamruzzaman Bachhu, president of Sundarbans Bonjibi Traders Owners-Workers Association, said the price of corrugated iron sheets is less than that of  Golpata leaves and that’s why the use of Golpata has reduced in the country.

In some cases, people used Golpata in resorts and other places for beautification, he said.

He also demanded permission to collect Garan timber alongside Golpata.