After a three-month closure to protect biodiversity and allow for fish and wildlife breeding, Sundarban, the world鈥檚 largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will reopen to fishermen, forest dwellers and tourists on Monday.
Authorities from both the East and West forest divisions have announced extensive preparations to ensure safety and smooth travel for locals and visitors.
According to the forest department, since 2019, entry to Sundarban has been prohibited every year from June to August, following a government decision to safeguard the mangrove鈥檚 ecological balance. The ban officially ends at midnight on Sunday.
AZM Hasanur Rahman, forest officer of West Sundarban divisional office, told BSS that all forest camps were on alert to ensure the safety of tourists and fishermen. Eco-tourism spots were cleaned and prepared.
Strict measures would be enforced against plastic waste in the mangrove forest, he added.
鈥榁isitors are prohibited from bringing single-use plastics, including bottles, plates, and cans. Anyone violating this directive will face fines and legal action,鈥� he warned.
The Sundarban Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh noted that despite the reopening, the period remained an off-season for tourism.
鈥楾he peak tourist season is from November to March,鈥� said TOAB secretary Nazmul Azam David, adding that their members operated 70 tourist launches and vessels in the forest.
So far, five launches have been booked for September 1, with daily trips expected to increase from mid-November.
On Sunday morning, activity picked up at forest entry points. At Kashiabad forest station, fishermen were seen preparing their boats with fishing nets, ice boxes, and food supplies after receiving official permits from the forest department. Many others, however, were still waiting for permits.
Fishermen from Shoronkhola鈥檚 Panirghat, Bogi, and Rajapur villages described the hardship of the past three months.
Meanwhile, at Kotka wildlife sanctuary under the East Sundarban division, preparations to welcome tourists are complete.
Acting forest officer Matiur Rahman said that wildlife activity had noticeably increased during the three-month closure, with more deer and monkeys roaming the area.
Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, DFO of East Sundarban, told BSS that the forest was then fully prepared to welcome both fishermen and tourists.
鈥楩rom next year, during the fishing ban, registered fishermen will also receive food aid through the fisheries department,鈥� he assured.