Local communities, including fishermen, Bawal (wood collectors), and Mowal (honey collectors), who rely on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods, are concerned about a three-month ban on all activities in the forest starting today (June 01, 2024). These communities returned home a few weeks ago due to the cyclonic storm Remal, and the forest department has since restricted re-entry into the Sundarbans. With the ban in place, they face a period without income. Forest Dept declares Sundarbans closed to visitors for 3 months The local administration has assured the affected communities of food assistance through the Fisheries Department. Fishermen have expressed their worries, stating their families depend on collecting fish, crabs, and honey in the Sundarbans. With their limited catch prior to returning home due to the storm, many have no savings to sustain them through the ban period. The three-month ban on fishing and tourism in the Sundarbans, effective from June 1 to August 31, aims to provide a safe breeding environment for fish and wild animals. The movement of all vessels, including boats and fishing trawlers, is prohibited, along with the entry of fishermen and honey collectors. Local and foreign tourists are also barred from entering the forest during this time. AKM Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Assistant Forest Conservator of the West Sundarbans, explained that June to August is the primary breeding season for fish in the region's rivers and canals. Cyclone Remal: 15 more dead deer recovered from Sundarbans During these three months, most fish release eggs, and it is also the breeding season for many wild animals. Restricting access helps protect biodiversity and wildlife, he said. The damage caused by Cyclone Remal to the forest’s biodiversity and wildlife is expected to recover more quickly with the ban in place. Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain, a forest official of the Sundarbans West Division, confirmed that entry into the Sundarbans will resume on September 1. Since 2019, the Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP) has recommended closing the Sundarbans' rivers and canals to fishing from July 1 to August 31 annually. In 2021, this restriction was extended to three months, starting June 1, in coordination with the Fisheries Department. The Sundarbans is home to about 289 species of animals, including 42 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, and 219 species of aquatic animals. Cyclone Remal: Animal death toll in Sundarbans rises to 100 If boats ply the rivers and canals, it disrupts the fish during their egg-laying period, so all types of boats are banned, explained Mihir Kumar Doe, Khulna Forest Conservator. He noted that this year's ban follows the same pattern as previous years. The local communities remain hopeful that the promised assistance will help them navigate through this challenging period.

The recently constructed patrol outposts under the 'Protection of Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Project' are set to provide crucial shelter for forest guards and foresters during the upcoming monsoon season. Two new outposts in the Hayatkhali and Bojboja areas were completed in the last fiscal year and are now operational. Additionally, ongoing construction of outposts at Nalian Station, Hadda, Sharbatkhali, Shakbaria, and Pashkhali under the Khulna range, as well as the Kalagachia patrol camp under the Satkhira range, is expected to be finished soon. The government initiative aims to protect forest guards from natural calamities such as cyclonic storms and tidal surges, which pose significant dangers to their lives. The three-storey office-staff barracks of the Sundarbans Protection Project have become a safe haven for the forest guards during natural disasters, said Mizanur Rahman, in charge of the Bojboja patrol camp, and Md Muktadir, in charge of the Hayatkhali camp, noting the improved morale among the forest guards due to the enhanced security. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, serves as a vital shield against natural disasters, protecting the coastal population. The Tk 157.87 crore project, which started in January 2021, is set to be completed by December this year, according to the Forest Department. The project includes the construction of 28 new outposts and two range offices. Sundarbans Day in southwestern region on Feb 14; a clarion call to love, save the forest Additional initiatives under the project involve the re-excavation of the Bhola and Aruaber rivers and Kharma canals, alongside research and survey works focusing on the Sundarbans. Key activities of the project include training Forest Department officials in wildlife crime control, wildlife conservation, primary treatment, SMART patrolling, wildlife habitat observation, and other essential skills. This training aims to enhance their efficiency and response to the diverse challenges within the Sundarbans. Dr. Abu Naser Mohsin, Khulna Divisional Forest Officer for the Sundarbans West Zone, emphasized the project's significance. The long-standing housing problem of forest guards will be solved through this initiative, he said. Post-implementation, they will have detailed ecological data on trees, plants, animals, birds, water salinity, and aquatic life, he added. The Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and the Arannyak Foundation have been conducting research for two years, with findings expected to be available by December 2025. This research includes studying the biodiversity of the Sundarbans, the impacts of climate change, increasing salinity, early disease diagnosis in Sundari trees, and the lifecycle of forest animals and aquatic resources. "Biodiversity and aquatic resources of the Sundarbans, an invaluable resource of Bangladesh, need to be researched in a multidimensional and coordinated way," said Prof. Anwarul Quadir, executive director of Sundarbans Academy. "We have been demanding the government form a separate ministry for the Sundarbans to ensure its protection and preservation." Climate change makes a decline in forest density in Sundarbans’ water bodies: Study

Environmentalists and residents have raised serious concern over a recent move by Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) to cut 46 century-old trees and hill slopes from Tiger Pass to CRB area for the construction of a ramp of the elevated expressway. Earlier in 2022, the government bid to construct a private hospital in CRB area was halted amid strong movement of the port city residents and green activists. The CRB area, that takes its name from the Central Railway Building - built by the British colonial administration in 1872 as the headquarters of the Assam-Bengal Railway - is a scenic, hilly quarter of the Port City known for its Shireesh trees (Albizia Lebeck) Surrounded by centuries-old trees, hills, hills and valleys, this area is home to a variety of species of birds and animals. Chattogram residents celebrate the Bengali New Year on April 14 every year on an open stage called "Shireeshtala" at CRB area. CRB also hosts the famed "Boli Khela", an annual freehand wrestling challenge that draws competitors from far and wide. Read more: No cutting trees without permission in DNCC areas: Atiqul Islam Environmentalists and civil society members fear that felling of trees and destruction of hills will cause environmental disaster. Sources said CDA has already applied to the Forest Department and Bangladesh Railway for permission to fell trees and the trees that will be cut have already been marked. Meanwhile, environmentalists and civil society representatives have called the decision "irresponsible" and requested the CDA to find an alternative plan for the construction of the ramp. Ritu Parvin, an official of green organisation Environmental Movement Green Fingers Bangladesh, said, “CRB is marked as a heritage area. Bangladesh Railway wanted to build a hospital there, but the railway authority backed tracked due to people's agitation. No construction will be allowed in the CRB area and its surrounding areas which will destroy the environment. We will also stage protest. Already we have announced the sit-in programme at CRB on Monday.” Read more: Plant more trees to protect environment: Environment Minister According to the Bangladesh Railway, the Tiger Pass road was built on the hill slope to connect CRB and polo ground with the port area of Chittagong during the British period. It is known as a double decker road to locals. The slope of the hill has been kept as a divider of this road. Hundreds of small and big trees were planted in the road division. Some trees are over 100 years old which are abode of many birds. The construction of the 16 km long elevated expressway from Lalkhan Bazar to the airport at a cost of Tk 4,298 crore is in the final stage. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the expressway in November last year. But it has not yet been opened to traffic. The duration of the project has been extended till June 2024 as the work could not be completed on time. Journalist Mohsin Kazi, Joint Secretary General of Civil Society Chittagong, said that CDA must consider an alternative to build ramps instead of cutting trees by damaging the environment. “If any government organisation tries to cut the trees we will again start movement.” According to CDA officials, among the 14 ramps of the expressway, one will be constructed at GEC junction, two at Tiger Pass, four at Agrabad, one at Fakirhat, two at Nimtala, two at CEPZ and two at KEPZ. One of the two ramps at the Tiger Pass intersection will be on the New Market-bound road via CRB, while the other will be on the Ambagan-bound road. CDA sent a letter to the Bangladesh Railway on March 25 seeking permission to use 14 decimal land for its construction. Kazi Hasan bin Shams, Chief Engineer of CDA, said that the ramp will be constructed in the CRB area with utmost importance to the environment. “It will not have any impact on the environment if the trees are cut to build the ramp. While 46 trees are planned to be cut for the construction of the ramp, more trees will be planted. The ramp will be constructed in the national interest without damaging the double-decker road on the hill slopes.” Md. Sujan, chief estate officer of Railway Eastern Zone said, CDA has sought permission to use the land. “We have a seven-member departmental committee which will visit the area before approval. How much land is there, how many trees are there, whether the trees will be cut - the departmental committee will check all the issues and give a report. Then it will be sent to headquarters for approval.” Read more: WFWP-ULAB organises events to inspire youth to plant trees

The Forest Department of Bangladesh will install nylon fence at critical locations in the Sundarbans and provide awareness training, aiming to resolve tiger-human conflicts, and increase the tiger population in the world’s largest mangrove forest. These initiatives are part of a special project of the Forest Department named 'Sundarbans Tiger Conservation Project'.The implementation of the project, with a budget of Tk 35.90 crores, began in April 2022 scheduled for completion in March 202, according to the project director’s office. Read: Govt measures boost hilsa production in Khulna Under this project, various activities were planned including a survey of the tigers and prey animals in the Sundarbans, the construction of high dunes and watchtowers, research on canine distemper virus in tigers, and awareness training for VTRT and CPG members, it said. To prevent tigers from entering nearby localities from the Sundarbans, nylon fence will be erected in 4 to 5 km critical locations initially. If this proves successful, 60 km area will be brought under fencing. The Forest Department expressed hopes that the successful implementation of this project will resolve tiger-human conflicts, reduce human-induced tiger killings, and increase the tiger population. Read: Khulna fuel traders start indefinite strike with 3-point demand The primary focus of the project is the survey of tigers and prey animals. So far, camera trapping surveys have been completed for tigers, prey animals, and canals in the Khulna and Satkhira ranges under Sundarbans West Forest Division. The survey in the Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges under East Forest Division is set to commence in November, with the report expected to be published in July 2024. Abu Nasser Mohsin Hossain, Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans West Forest Division and Project Director of the Sundarban Tiger Conservation Project, said camera trapping work for the tiger survey in Satkhira and Khulna ranges has been successfully completed. All officers and employees of the Sundarbans East and West Forest Divisions will undergo training to enhance their tiger conservation skills. Read: Rail link with Khulna restored after 7 hours “Training sessions for CPG and VTRT members will start soon. Additionally, several activities are planned for tiger conservation and increasing their numbers,” he said. “All project activities will be documented on video, and these recordings will be used to create documentary films. These films will later prove valuable to officials and volunteers dedicated to Sundarbans and tiger conservation,” he added. According to the project plan, 12 high dunes will be constructed inside the Sundarbans to offer shelter to tigers during floods, storms, and high tides. A tower will also be installed in the Dhansagar area of the Sarankhola range tiger sanctuary to monitor fires. From this tower, forest guards and volunteers will be able to swiftly manage fires in the Sundarbans in that region. As part of the project, research will be conducted on the canine distemper virus. Tiger feces will be collected from the Sundarbans, and domestic researchers will study the virus infection in the tigers' teeth through these fecal samples. Read: Onion prices soar in Khulna market after India slaps duty on export On the other hand, 340 members of the Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) and 184 members of the Community Patrol Group (CPG) will receive training to resolve human-tiger conflicts in the Sundarbans. Additionally, two tigers that often enter the locality will be fitted with satellite trackers. Forest officers will provide apps to CPG and VTRT members for tracking tigers' movements, allowing them to monitor tiger activity on their mobile phones. Consequently, if a tiger approaches the locality, they will be able to quickly guide it back to the Sundarbans. Furthermore, for the project's implementation, various equipment such as drone cameras, satellite trackers, nylon fences, GPS devices, tranquilizing agents for tiger sedation, cameras, VTRT equipment, and various auxiliary materials, including clothing and training materials for CPG members, will be procured. Read more: Save Sundarbans, save Bangladesh: Environmentalists call for protecting largest mangrove forest

A three-month ban on fishing and tourism in  the Sundarbans will start from June 1 to ensure safe breeding and movement of fish and wild animals. Movement of all types of vessels including boats, fishing trawlers in the rivers and canals as well as the entry of fishermen and honey collectors will remain suspended from June 1 to August 31. No local for foreign tourists will be allowed to enter the forest during the period. According to the Forest Department, 251 species of fish release eggs during this monsoon and so fishing will not allowed  in the forest. Read more: Environment Minister for measures to stop deer hunting in Sundarbans Besides, the ban will be applicable for safe breeding of 315 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles and 42 types of mammals. The authorities think the breeding by the fish and different species of animals will be obstructed due to sound of operating water vehicles in the water bodies. No tourists will be allowed to visit the country’s lone wildlife breeding center ‘Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center’ and 11 other tourist spots. Hawlader Azad Kabir, in-charge of the breeding center, said ignoring the matter of revenue earning the government took the ban initiative to increase beautification of the forest and ensure safe breeding of fish and animals. Read more: Tourists can’t carry single-use plastics in Sundarbans: Environment Minister He said tough action will be taken if the restriction is ignored.

The forest department officials on Thursday evening detained a man with 20kg venison from the Nilkamal area of the Sundarbans in Khulna. The detainee was identified as Hiru Akon of Barguna. Read more: Two sent to jail for possessing deer meat in Bhola Zahirul Islam, in-charge of Nilkamal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Sundarbans, said a patrol team of the forest department detained Akon, "a member of a deer poaching gang," while he along with others was trying to flee the scene after sensing the forest officers' presence. The team also seized a fishing boat, a gun, 19 rounds of bullets, equipment used to trap deer, and sharp weapons. Read more: Venison, deer skin seized in Bagerhat "Akon was sent behind bars Thursday. And legal action will be taken against others," Zahirul said.

The Forest Department has detained 16 fishermen from the Sundarbans for catching Parshe (mullet) fries, during its breeding period from November-January, from the river and canals defying a ban. A team of Forest Department (West) led by Zahirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Nilkomol Patrol Outpost, detained the fishermen around 4:30am on Thursday during a drive at the Bangabandhur Char area, said Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarbans West Forest Division Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain. They also seized two fishing boats, he added. "A case has been filed under the Forest Act; the fishermen have been sent to Koyra Upazila Senior Judicial Magistrate Court." Read more: 11 kidnapped fishermen rescued in Sundarbans: Police Fishermen of Shyamnagar, Koyra, Paikgacha, and Dakop surrounding the Sundarbans are using illegal nets to catch fish fries. The fishermen illegally catch a large number of fish fries from the Sundarbans' Alor Kol, Dublar Char, Batlurchar, Chachanangla, Poshur, Agun Jala, Kalir Char, Gera Chalki, Bajbaja, Hanshoraj, Andarmanik, Dhangmari; Chichkhali and Majjat rivers. Due to the use of monofilament nets, Parshe fish fries and different species of fish are being killed. Around 20-25 groups of 8-10 fishermen on engine-driven fishing boats are using 200-300-metre long and 40-50-metre wide nets to catch a maund of fish fries of different species in each haul every day. Also, some forest officials tip the fishermen off when their senior officials prepare for conducting a drive in the Sundarbans. Next, the fishermen hide in the forest. And when the drive is over they resume their illegal fishing. Read more: 26 rescued Bangladeshi fishermen return from India Poshur River Waterkeeper Coordinator Md Nur Alam Sheikh said a group of money lenders pay low-income fishermen a lot of money in advance to send them to the Sundarbans to make extra profit with fish fries. Some forest officials and employees are also cooperating with them in exchange for a large amount of money, he added.

The Forest Department has started setting up a total of 1,330 cameras at 665 spots in the Sundarbans to count tigers, deer and pigs. Abu Naser, forest official of Sundarbans West zone and director of Sundarbans Tiger Conservation Project’ project, said the camera installation work started at Kalabogi Ecotourism Center around 9 am on Sunday (January 01, 2023). The Forest Department – under the ‘Sundarbans Tiger Conservation Project’ involving Tk 3.27 crore – took preparations for installing cameras on both sides of the canals under Kalabogi Forest Station of Khulna Range from December 15 last year. Abu Naser said apart from counting tigers, this year, the Forest Department will count deer and pigs as well under the project. Read more: Killing tigers in the Sundarbans: Offenders get off scot-free for lack for evidence They have divided the project into two categories – camera trapping and canal survey. Primarily, the survey along both sides of the canals in Sundarbans has started and through the process, the movement and pugmarks of tigers will be pointed out.” Through the camera trapping process, the authorities concerned will take snaps for two years and later they will analyse the photos captured for the next two months, and after that they will figure out the numbers, he said. A technical committee has already been formed and the committee decided to install cameras at 665 spots, he added. Of these, 200 will be set up in Satkhira range, 140 in Khulna range, 180 in Sharankhola and 145 in Chandpai range of the Sundarbans, said Abu Naser. Two cameras will be installed in each grid and a total of 1,330 cameras will be set up. Read more: Sundarban tigers: Inbreeding leads to generation of weak, diseased cubs Asked about the number of tigers, the project director said, “The exact figure of tigers will be known after the census. Earlier, it was difficult for tourists to see any tiger during their Sundarbans visit but now, they can take photos of 3-4 tigers which indicates that the number might have increased.” The tiger census will be conducted in and outside the wildlife sanctuary and the authorities concerned will conduct the survey in the less, more and most saline areas of the Sundarbans, he said. Tigers mostly hunt deer, but they also eat pigs, monkeys and crabs and another survey will be conducted to figure out their eating habits in 2024, he added. Three hundred and forty members under 49 village tiger response teams and 185 members of community patrol groups under the four ranges will be given training to conduct the survey. Read more: Sundarbans to have 4 more eco-tourism centres Resident launches and support boats have been hired for four months under the projects while 200 special category cameras, battery, and SD cards will be purchased. Mihir Kumar Doe, forest conservator of Khulna Circle, said the project includes monitoring the movement by setting up satellite collars on two tigers, identifying diseases and infections among tigers, collecting data and publishing a report after research. Besides, fire extinguishing equipment, pipes and drones will also be purchased using the funds to save tigers from forest fires during dry season. Alongside, an initiative will be taken to erect fences in 60 km areas of the Sundarbans, using nylon, to prevent the entry of tigers into villages, he said. Read More: Counting tigers in Sundarbans: Forest Dept to set up 1,330 cameras under Khulna Range from Jan 1 Besides, 12 towers will be set up in the Sundarbans to protect tigers from cyclonic storms, said Mihir Kumar. Under the project, twelve consultant experts have been hired in the short term for special training, survey completion, data collection, preparation of report and analysis, he said. On March 23 last year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change gave its nod to the project, involving Tk 35.93 crore. Of the project, only Tk 3.27 crore will be spent for tiger census and the tenure of the project is fixed from April 2022 to June 2025. There are 3,840 tigers in 13 countries of the world. In 2015, the number of tigers in the Sundarbans was 106 and in 2018, that number went up to 114. Of these, 63 are mature, 18 between the age of 12-14 months, and 33 are cubs. Read More: Tiger range countries should work together to save the tigers: Minister

Bangladesh Forest Department authorities will set up a total of 1,330 cameras at 665 spots in the Sundarbans, under Khulna Range – to count tigers, deer and pigs from January 1, 2023. The Forest Department – under the ‘Sundarbans Tiger Conservation Project’ involving Tk 3.27 crore – has started installing cameras on both sides of the canals under Kalabogi Forest Station of Khulna Range from December 15 and the count will start from January 1 next year. Abu Naser, forest official of Sundarbans East zone and director of the project, said, “Apart from counting tigers, this year, the forest department will count deer and pigs as well under the project. They have divided the project into two categories – camera trapping and canal survey. Primarily, the survey along both sides of the canals in Sundarbans has started and through the process, the movement and pugmarks of tigers will be pointed out.” Through the camera trapping process, the authorities concerned will take snaps for two years and later they will analyse the photos captured for the next two months, and after that they will figure out the numbers, he said. Also read: Tiger population at risk in Sundarbans: 38 tigers died in 20 years in Bangladesh A technical committee has already been formed and the committee decided to install cameras at 665 spots, he added. Of these, 200 will be set up in Satkhira Range, 140 in Khulna Range, 180 in Sharankhola and 145 in Chandpai Range, said Abu Naser. Two cameras will be installed in each grid and a total of 1,330 cameras will be set up. Asked about the number of tigers, the project director said, “The exact figure of tigers will be known after the census. Earlier, it was difficult for tourists to see any tiger during their Sundarbans visit but now, they can take photos of 3-4 tigers which indicates that the number might have increased.” The tiger census will be conducted in and outside the wildlife sanctuary and the authorities concerned will conduct the survey in the less, more and most saline areas of the Sundarbans, he said. Also read: Sundarban tigers: Inbreeding leads to generation of weak, diseased cubs.

A deer that crossed the Indian border and entered Bangladesh on Sunday died after being chased by locals in Siktihari village in Atwari upazila of Panchagarh. The Forest Department and Upazila Livestock office confirmed the unfortunate deer died of excessive bleeding from its wounded leg while running for its life from the villagers. Read:4 ‘deer poachers’ held in Khulna “The deer entered Bangladesh in search of food from the Indian side of the border. Informed by some locals, we rescued it in a critical condition," said Mushfiqul Alam Halim, Atwari Upazila Nirbahi Officer. “The deer died before our eyes and later we buried it after an autopsy,” said Rishikesh Ray, Panchagarh range officer of the Forest Division.