Khulna, Aug 31 (V7N) - The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in Bangladesh, will reopen to visitors and local communities on September 1 after a three-month closure.
 
The Sundarbans had been closed to the public from June 1 to August 31 to support the growth of vegetation and the proliferation of fish within its rivers and canals. This annual closure ensures the preservation of the forest’s ecosystem.
 
With the reopening, various groups including tourists, Bawalis (honey collectors), Kathuliyas (traditional honey gatherers), fishermen, and Mouals (traditional boatmen) are preparing to return. Many are busy repairing and painting their boats, while others are constructing new ones.
 
Munshi Kamruzzaman from Dhamrail village in Paikgacha upazila mentioned that they are also mending boats and creating new fishing nets in anticipation of the reopening. Aziz Khalifa from Mahesharipur in Koira noted that, as the local economy heavily relies on the Sundarbans, the three-month closure forces residents to find alternative means of survival.
 
David Aslam, who handles tourist transportation, stated that preparations are underway to resume operations, expecting around 250,000 to 300,000 tourists annually. The Sundarbans is home to various tree species such as Sundari, Garan, Geor, and Keura, as well as a rich diversity of fish and crabs, contributing significantly to its annual revenue.

END/SDA/AJ/