Forest department launches plastic cleanup to safeguard Sundarbans

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing mounting ecological threats from plastic waste drifting in from the sea. The accumulation of plastic along coastal forest areas not only mars the region's natural beauty but also endangers wildlife, disrupts the ecosystem, and poses potential health risks to humans.

To tackle this growing problem, the Forest Department has begun a systematic campaign to remove plastic debris from the mangrove forest. Local communities, environmental organisations, and tourists are being urged to assist in the effort, which will combine awareness-raising with regular monitoring to keep the Sundarbans pollution-free.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans East Division, said the initiative began after observing significant plastic accumulation near forest-adjacent coastal areas.

"Our rangers will dedicate one day in the first three days of every month to remove plastic waste across the forest. Additional labour will be deployed as needed," he said. "Clean-up operations have already started at Dimer Char and Kochikhali Beach, with collected waste transported to Khulna for recycling."

Sheikh Faridul Islam, chairman of the Save the Sundarbans Foundation, highlighted the dangers of plastic entering the food chain. "Marine waste affects fish and other aquatic life. If humans consume contaminated seafood, the risk of severe health problems increases. Plastic from sea-going vessels must be monitored, and single-use plastics should be banned on tourist boats to protect the Sundarbans," he said.