Sundarbans Reopens on September 1 After Three-Month Ban

The Sundarbans will reopen on September 1st, allowing registered fishermen, collectors, and both local and foreign visitors, after a three-month ban. The forest will be accessible to everyone beginning on September 1, according to Mr. Mashiur Rahman, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for the Satkhira Range. Mr. Fazlul Haque, officer-in-charge of the Burigoalini station, confirmed that cooperative surveillance by authorities will continue to protect local biodiversity.

All forms of access, resource extraction, and tourism were strictly forbidden from June 1 to August 31, which is the main breeding season for the majority of marine life and flora, to safeguard biodiversity, wildlife, and fishery reproduction. The Forest Department, Coast Guard, and Naval Police maintained strict surveillance, but illegal entry was still occurring. By August 18, 38 cases had been filed, 44 people were in custody, 38 boats had been seized, 279 kilograms of crabs had been recovered, and a pickup truck carrying 77 sacks of snails had been seized.

Day-and-night activities continued despite forest officials pointing out that continuous observation is difficult due to the Sundarbans’ enormous size, many waterways, and staff limitations. In only June and July, the department carried out 108 operations throughout the Khulna and Satkhira ranges, detaining 46 individuals and seizing significant amounts of crabs, shrimp, white fish, illegal nets, and deer-hunting traps.

Sundarban-dependent communities suffered financially during the three-month shutdown; thus, the announcement of the reopening is a great relief that will help fishermen, bawalis, and tourism operators regain their means of livelihood. With 210 kinds of white fish, 24 species of shrimp, and 14 species of crab found in the seas, officials have reached a balance between this economic recovery and constant surveillance to stop poaching, illegal fishing, and unauthorized resource exploitation.