Sundarbans set to reopen after three-month closure

The Sundarbans is set to reopen after a three-month closure. The forest is showing signs of recovery. With human activity halted for 90 days wildlife such as Royal Bengal tigers, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, wild boars and red crabs have been free to move without fear.

Fish populations in the rivers and canals have also grown noticeably. Plant life including sundari, gewa, keora, bain and shoila trees have become denser and more vibrant.

A ban on entering the Sundarbans and harvesting any forest resources was introduced to protect biodiversity preserve breeding grounds for animals and allow nature to recover. The ban ended on September 1. Now tourists, fishermen, bawalis who collect wood and golpata leaves and mouals who gather honey can return to the area.

Forest officials say the results of the closure are already visible. Royal Bengal tigers were seen times in different areas—sometimes near canal banks other times deep inside the forest. Crocodiles hunting their prey have visitors. Herds of deer, monkeys, red crabs and wild boars have been spotted roaming across the region.

Local forest staff say that when people were not allowed into the forest animals could move safely. Fish and other aquatic creatures were able to breed without interference leading to fish presence in the waterways. Plants also grew densely than before.

At the time the Forest Department had to increase patrols during the ban to prevent illegal activities. Since the Sundarbans is vast and tidal movements affect movement officials maintained 24-hour surveillance. Smart patrolling was stepped up significantly.

Shariful Islam, Assistant Conservator of Forests at Sharankhola Range said patrol intensity rose compared to months. "Forest crimes dropped during this time " he said. "Fish numbers have increased in the canals. We’re seeing deer and other animals. Tigers have even been seen along the edges of the canals.”

Normally smart patrolling occurs seven days a month. During the three-month ban it increased to 20 days each month. The department believes this helped reduce crime and supported protection for wildlife and natural habitats.

Now that the ban has ended fishermen are preparing to go. Many have repaired their boats and nets. Gathered supplies. Fishing had stopped for three months so they expect catches and hope it will ease financial pressure on their families.

Moual Jibon Karmakar said, "We struggled to support our families because we couldn’t enter the forest for three months. The Sundarbans is our source of income. We are hopeful we can return soon.. We will only do well if the forest stays healthy. So we promise to follow rules and not harm the environment while collecting honey.”

Alal Moral, a fisherman from Sharankhola added, "I couldn’t go into the forest for three months. I’ve fixed my boat and nets. Kept them ready. Since fishing was suspended long I hope to find plenty of fish this time. A good catch would help families like mine survive.”

People like mouals and fishers are not the ones waiting. They depend on the forest for survival. Jibon Karmakar said, "For three months we couldn’t work. Our lives took a hit.. We still want the Sundarbans to stay strong. Now the ban is over we want to return, collect honey and earn our living.. We must make sure we don’t damage the forest in the process.”

Forest officials stress that limiting access every year is crucial to protecting the Sundarbans. These closures allow animals to breed and roam safely. They also give fish and other species a chance to grow.

Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer of East Sundarbans said, "Every year we impose a ban to safeguard the natural environment and help wildlife reproduce. This year the benefits are clear—animals are active fish are abundant. These efforts must continue to keep the Sundarbans healthy.”

There are 14 tourist spots in the western parts of the Sundarbans. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come here annually. Around 50,000 people rely on the forest for fish, golpata leaves and honey paying fees to the Forest Department.

Since 2021 the Forest Department has enforced these bans to protect wildlife and forest health. Stakeholders agree that continuing measures is necessary. The renewed vitality of the Sundarbans, after this year’s closure shows how important these steps are.