An unusual tidal wave has entered the Nijhum Dwip National Park, a coastal island in Noakhali .
Due to the adverse weather conditions, the sea water has risen abnormally, flooding a large part of the island. This has led to the wild Chitra deer living deep in the forest moving towards the locality. As the lives of these rare animals are now under threat, the locals are also worried about the violence of the hunters.
Locals said that for the past few days, most of the low-lying areas of the island have been submerged by the twice-daily tides. As a result, the deer's natural shelter has gone underwater. They are now forced to take shelter in high places in the locality, in house courtyards, and in school grounds.
Taijul Islam, a resident of Namar Bazar area of Nijhumdwip Union, said ,
"Usually, deer are seen in the locality during the monsoon. However, this time, the water level has risen abnormally, forcing the deer to move into the locality."
There is a fear that poachers will increase their activity as deer enter the locality. There have been allegations that some are trying to trap deer at night, putting the biodiversity of Nijhumdwip at extreme risk.
Saiful Islam, Nijhumdwip Range Officer of the Forest Department, said ,
"Due to the tide, deer have moved into the locality. The forest department is patrolling regularly. Legal action will be taken if there are complaints of poachers or snares. Locals have also been urged to cooperate in sheltering the deer."
According to the Forest Department, there are currently 20,000 to 25,000 chitra deer in Nijhumdwip . Every year during the monsoon, it becomes difficult for them to survive in the tidal waters. According to environmentalists, considering the effects of climate change, it has become necessary to adopt sustainable shelter systems and long-term planning .
They claim that to ensure the safety of wildlife during natural disasters like cyclones and rising water levels, it is necessary to build shelters at specific high places on Nijhumdwip. Otherwise, this one of the resources of indigenous biodiversity may go on the path of extinction.
