Adverse weather keeps tourists away from Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, reopened to tourists, fishers, timber collectors and honey collectors yesterday (1 September) after remaining closed for three months.

However, adverse weather conditions severely curtailed tourist activity on the opening days, leaving many visitors unable to venture deep into the forest.

Entry to the forest, fishing, crab collection, honey collection and tourism activities were suspended from 1 June to 31 August to protect its biodiversity and wildlife.

Then, on the first day of reopening, forest authorities issued passes to over 200 water vessels by 2pm, permitting around 400 fishermen and woodcutters to enter the reserve.

Azad Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre, reported that seven large launches and two motorboats carrying over 500 tourists entered various spots yesterday.

But today, only one tourist trawler could reach Karamjal due to bad weather, he said, adding that visitor numbers would increase if weather conditions improved.

Tourists Munia and Imran Hossain from Dhaka said rain and strong winds prevented them from entering the Sundarbans on the first day, but they hope to visit the forest the next day if the weather improves.

Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Bagerhat Sundarbans East Forest Division, said around 500 local and foreign tourists visited the forest on the first day.

"Preparations had been made in advance to welcome tourists after the ban was lifted. Although resorts had guests, many could not enter the forest due to bad weather," he said.

During the three-month closure, reduced human movement and boat traffic gave wildlife a quieter environment, while easing pressure on fish breeding grounds and wildlife movement.

The Forest Department has strengthened monitoring to protect biodiversity while issuing entry passes and permits, regulating boat movement and controlling access for forest-dependent communities.

According to Forest Department data, the 6,017-square-kilometre Sundarbans is home to Bengal tigers, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles and monitor lizards, along with hundreds of bird, fish and plant species.

Following recommendations in the Integrated Resources Management Plan, entry to the Sundarbans was suspended from 1 July to 31 August from 2019. 

In 2022, the closure was extended from 1 June to 31 August in coordination with the Department of Fisheries.

During the closure, the Department of Fisheries provides food assistance to unemployed fishers.