Sundarbans Reopens After Three-Month Ban as Fishermen Hesitate Amid Security and Environmental Concerns

The Sundarbans reopened to fishermen and tourists on Tuesday following a three-month seasonal ban aimed at conserving the forest’s ecosystem. However, the first day of reopening saw a muted response from the fishing community, who cited concerns over banditry, adverse weather conditions, and low fish populations.

At the Burigoalini Forest Station, turnout was significantly lower than anticipated. Forest official Irfan Uddin reported that despite having 954 licensed fishing vessels registered at the station, only one fisherman had requested an entry permit by midday. Similar trends were observed at the Koikhali and Kadamtala stations in the Satkhira range, where only 37 permits were issued for over 1,000 registered vessels.

Fishermen expressed deep apprehension regarding security within the forest, noting that reports of bandit activity and extortion remain a deterrent. Furthermore, many fishermen alleged that illegal poaching using poison continued throughout the ban, which they fear has decimated fish and crab populations, threatening their livelihoods. For those who did venture out, such as Khairul Sana and Abdur Bari, the economic necessity of supporting their families outweighed the risks, though they remain uncertain about the season’s potential yields.

In contrast, the tourism sector has shown immediate signs of recovery. According to the Sundarban Tour Operators Association, seven launches carrying 220 tourists departed from Khulna on Tuesday morning. Boat operators near the Malancha River reported immediate demand for excursions to popular destinations such as the Mother Khal area.

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While tourists are returning to the forest, the Forest Department has reinforced strict regulations. Approximately 70 percent of the Sundarbans remains a protected sanctuary, and visitors are required to follow designated routes and remain within authorized tourist centers. Officials have mandated that visitors refrain from polluting the forest with plastic or food waste, urging them to use designated disposal bins.

A.Z.M. Hasanuzzaman, Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans West Division, confirmed that forest infrastructure, including pontoons and tourist centers, has been renovated to accommodate the influx. He stated that forest camps and stations have been placed on high alert to ensure the safety of both visitors and the local fishing community. He emphasized that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for activities that harm the forest’s biodiversity or wildlife.