Fire continues to burn in Sundarbans' Shaplar Beel for 2nd day, 5 acres of forest land destroyed
Despite ongoing efforts, the fire has yet to be fully extinguished, forest officials said.
Highlights:
- Fire rages in Sundarbans' Shaplar Beel for second day
- Forest department forms second investigation committee
- Water shortages hinder firefighting efforts
A new fire that broke out yesterday (23 March) in the Shaplar Beel area of Teisher Chila, within the Chandpai Range of the eastern Sundarbans, continues to burn intermittently. Firefighters from 10 units have been battling the blaze for the second consecutive day in an effort to bring it under control.
Despite ongoing efforts, the fire has yet to be fully extinguished, forest officials said.
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On Monday, sporadic flames and smoke were still visible across various parts of the forest. Approximately five acres of forest land have already been destroyed, with firefighting operations still underway.
The Shaplar Beel fire destroyed approximately five acres of forest. The forest department has also formed a second three-member investigation committee.
The committee is led by Dipon Chandra Das, assistant conservator of forests (ACF) of the Chandpai Range. With this, the total number of committees investigating the fire has risen to two.
Water is being pumped from the nearby Bhola River, situated about 3 kilometres away, to help control the blaze. But the success of the efforts is heavily dependent on the tide. During the low tide, when the water level drops, firefighting activities come to a temporary halt.
The tidal water from the Bhola River is a vital resource for combating the fire.
Md Abu Bakar Zaman, assistant director of the Khulna Fire Brigade and Civil Defence, explained that pipes have been laid from the Bhola River to pump water for firefighting purposes.
The operation began on Sunday night around 8:30 pm and has continued without interruption. But the effectiveness of this operation depends largely on the tide, with the firefighting process coming to a standstill during low tide.
Khulna Divisional Forest Conservator (CF) Imran Ahmed said, "Due to water shortages, firefighting efforts in the forest are proving difficult, as they rely on tidal river water. Firefighters spray water whenever they have access to it. The intensity of the fire in Shaplar Beel is high, making it uncertain when it will be fully controlled."
"However, fire lines were created early on to prevent the fire from spreading further. Currently, the fire remains within a confined area," he added.
Earlier, a fire in the Tepar Beel area under the Kolomteji Camp of the Chandpai Range in the Sundarbans East Division was brought under control yesterday afternoon (March 23). However, just hours later, a new fire broke out in the Shaplar Beel area of Teisher Chila, within the Chandpai Range.
