The Sundarbans will close its doors for three months starting from June 1 (Saturday). During this period, fishing in all rivers and canals of the Sundarbans is prohibited, along with a ban on tourist entry.
All types of pass-permits to enter the Sundarbans have been suspended. Forest Department officials state that this government decision aims to protect the movement and reproduction of fish and forest animals in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans. Professionals who rely on the Sundarbans express extreme concern over this measure.
Assistant Conservator of Forests AKM Iqbal Hoshain Chowdhury of West Sundarban Satkhira Range confirmed the ban, noting that June to August marks the fish breeding season in the Sundarbans' waterways. During this period, most fish in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans lay their eggs, and it's also the breeding season for wild animals.
The absence of tourists and fishermen during these months will help preserve the biodiversity and wildlife of the forest, aiding in recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Rimal.
On the other hand, Divisional Forest Officer Abu Nasser Mohsin Hossain stated that fishermen and tourists are banned from entering the Sundarbans for three months starting from tomorrow (today, Saturday). The Sundarbans will reopen its doors to everyone on September 1.
As per the Forest Department's information, fishing in all rivers and canals of the Sundarbans is stopped for three months, from June 1 to August 31, to protect fish resources. During this time, tourist entry, movement of common people, and fishing in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans will be prohibited.
The forest department reports that the Sundarbans is home to about 289 species of terrestrial animals, 42 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, and 219 species of aquatic animals, including various fish species. Boating in forest rivers and canals can disrupt fish spawning, hence all types of boats will be prohibited.
Khulna forest conservator Mihir Kumar Do stated that the government decision prohibits the extraction of all types of resources from the Sundarbans from June 1 to August 31, starting from 2021. This three-month ban is primarily imposed to preserve the wildlife and biodiversity of the Sundarbans.
Millions of people who depend on the Sundarbans are in trouble due to the ban on entry for three months. Without access to the Sundarbans during this period, they will lack a source of income. About 50,000 people in the Sundarbans Satkhira range area alone rely on the Sundarbans for their livelihood, extracting fish, crabs, and honey.
Fishermen are particularly concerned about this. According to district administration sources, entry to the Sundarbans will be closed for three months, and fishermen will be provided with food assistance through the Department of Fisheries during this time.
Foresters mentioned that after receiving the Cyclone Remal signal, they returned to their locality from the Sundarbans before the storm, and no further permission was granted by the forest department to enter the forest. They primarily earn their livelihood by collecting fish, crabs, and honey in the Sundarbans.
With the pass closed for three months, they are worried about their financial situation, having returned home a week ago due to the storm signal, unable to catch much fish. Professionals who depend on the Sundarbans are extremely worried about this situation.
END/V7N/SDK/DK/
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