Bagerhat, Mar 29 (V7N) – The Sundarbans Forest Division has issued a red alert in the eastern Sundarbans, restricting forest guards' leave to curb rising poaching activities and prevent further forest fires. The move comes in response to recent wildfires and an increase in illegal deer hunting ahead of Eid.

In the past week, two severe fires broke out in the Chandpai Range:

  • Teishshila (near Kalamteji Forest Patrol Outpost)

  • Shaplar Beel (near Dhansagar Forest Patrol Outpost)

It took six days for the forest department and fire service to fully control the blaze. The fire has destroyed approximately 6 acres of forest land, causing significant environmental damage.

Alongside the fires, reports indicate a sharp increase in deer poaching in recent days. Poachers have been secretly selling deer meat in local markets, with buyers traveling from distant areas to purchase it. The rise in illegal hunting is a yearly trend before Eid, as poachers take advantage of the festive season’s high demand for game meat.

To combat these threats, the Sundarbans Division has taken strict preventive measures:

  • Round-the-clock patrolling by forest guards at all outposts.

  • Special surveillance operations targeting poachers.

  • Restrictions on leave—only emergency cases will be considered.

Rana Deb, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of the Sharankhola Range, stated:

"Forest officers and guards have been instructed to intensify patrols and surveillance ahead of Eid to prevent poaching."

Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans, confirmed:

"A red alert has been declared, and all leaves have been restricted. Every year, poaching gangs become more active before Eid. Additionally, organized groups set fires during the dry season. Special patrols have been deployed to combat these threats."

Environmentalists have long warned about the escalating threats to the Sundarbans' biodiversity, including illegal hunting and deliberate forest fires. With Eid approaching, authorities are intensifying efforts to protect the world’s largest mangrove forest from further destruction.

END/MSS/AJ