Cyclone Remal has severely impacted the Sundarbans, damaging forest stations and ecotourism points, and causing a freshwater shortage critical for wildlife like the Royal Bengal Tiger and Mayabi Deer. Conservator of Forests Mihir Kumar Do highlighted the crisis as saltwater submerged freshwater ponds, the primary source of water for wildlife and forest workers. Efforts are underway to desalinate these ponds, with 80 affected in total.
Significant wildlife casualties include 111 deer and four pigs found dead. Infrastructure damage amounts to Tk6.27 crore. Forest officials are working to rehabilitate the affected areas, but the loss of biodiversity is profound and will take decades to recover naturally.
Environmental scientists emphasize the urgent need for creating freshwater reservoirs to aid wildlife survival. Cyclone Remal has left a lasting impact on the Sundarbans’ ecosystem, with extensive damage to vegetation and infrastructure.
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