Nature's timeout: Sundarbans closed to all for three months for wildlife revival

Highlights

• 3-month Sundarbans ban began on 1 June and will continue until 31 August
• Ban aims to protect breeding season of wildlife
• Local forest-dependent communities are struggling due to lack of access and limited government aid
• Corruption in aid distribution and illegal intrusions continue with official support

The Forest Department has imposed a three-month ban on the entry of all, including tourists, into the Sundarbans to facilitate breeding and movement of fish and wildlife. 

The restriction, which aims to ensure the natural reproduction cycles of the forest's wildlife, will be effective from today (1 June) until 31 August.

According to forest officials, the annual restriction helps maintain ecological balance and revitalises the forest's wildlife and biodiversity. 

"If we can keep the forest quiet during this period, it will significantly enhance breeding activities, especially for aquatic species," said Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division.

"We will increase patrols throughout this time. If the ban is effectively implemented, the fish population and overall wildlife in the forest will thrive," he added.

The Sundarbans, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various bird and fish species. 

The forest hosts 289 terrestrial animal species, 42 mammals, 35 reptiles, eight amphibians, 219 aquatic species, 290 bird species and 344 plant species. Among them, two amphibians, 14 reptiles, 25 birds and five mammal species are currently at risk.

The breeding season for most aquatic species in the Sundarbans falls between June and July. Previously, based on the recommendations of the Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP), the forest remained closed from 1 July to 31 August.

Since 2022, the schedule has been adjusted in coordination with the Department of Fisheries to start the restriction from 1 June.

Although sea fishermen receive assistance from the Department of Fisheries during this seasonal restriction, forest-dependent fishing communities in the Sundarbans reportedly do not receive any support.

Meanwhile, environmentalists and locals have voiced concern that illegal intrusions and poaching activities could undermine the purpose of the ban. Locals have urged the Forest Department to strengthen surveillance during the restriction period.

Nazmul Islam, a resident of Sharankhola near the forest, said, "Legally, no one will enter the forest during this time, but stopping illegal intruders is the real challenge. If that can be achieved, the ban will truly benefit forest-dependent communities like us."

Mohammad Nur Alam Sheikh, a member of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), stressed the need for stricter enforcement. "The forest is like our mother. But it is humans who are responsible for most of the harm. The authorities must act with sincerity to protect the Sundarbans.

"Alongside the Forest Department, other law enforcement agencies should also be alert during the ban period."

Environmental activists also alleged that some fishermen always manage to enter the forest with the help of complicit officials during the restricted period and called for stricter monitoring to prevent such breaches.

3-month ban in Sundarbans puts forest-dependent communities in distress

A three-month government ban in the Sundarbans took effect today (1 June), halting all human activities including eco-tourism, fishing, crab harvesting, and honey collection until 31 August. 

The Forest Department imposed the restriction to protect the biodiversity of the world's largest mangrove forest. However, the ban has triggered severe hardship for forest-dependent communities. 

Saiful Islam, a forest dweller from Gabura, a remote island union in Satkhira, voiced his frustration stating, "The Sundarbans is our lifeline. If we cannot enter the forest, how will we feed our families? The rice distributed by the government doesn't reach everyone. Often, those who don't even enter the forest get the rice allocation."

According to the Shyamnagar Upazila Fisheries Office, there are 23,928 registered fishermen in the area, but only 8,324 of them are receiving government assistance. 

Each beneficiary is allocated 77 kg of rice over the three-month ban period, distributed in two phases. Fishermen complain of irregularities and corruption in both the allocation and distribution of aid.

Jalil Gazi, a local fisherman, questioned the logic of the ban, saying, "Crabs don't lay eggs at this time of year. So why impose a ban now? Many people with BLC (Boat License Certificate) don't even go to the forest. Instead, they rent out their licences. The real forest dwellers like us are left out."

Another fisherman, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that despite the ban, certain groups continue fishing secretly in the forest with the alleged collusion of forest officials. 

"How do they manage to enter the forest without being noticed by the authorities?" he said.

Habibul Islam, assistant officer of the Forest Department's Satkhira Range, defended the ban saying, "The restriction is crucial for biodiversity conservation. For the months of June, July, and August, all forms of human entry into the forest will remain strictly prohibited."