Sundarbans  Correspondent 

A massive crackdown is underway in the Sundarbans—the world’s largest mangrove forest—to prevent the poaching of deer and other wildlife. 

Since May 1, forest guards have launched a month-long combing operation in the eastern part of the forest. So far, the operation has led to the recovery of a large number of deer traps, deer meat, chemically contaminated shrimp, and banned crab-catching gear. Eleven individuals have been arrested in connection with these activities.

According to the Forest Department, poaching incidents have recently increased alarmingly in the Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges of the eastern Sundarbans. Poachers are setting nylon traps deep inside the forest to catch deer. In response, the newly appointed Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, ordered a combing operation from May 1 to May 31..

 Over 44 deer venison  kilograms, contaminated shrimp (laced with poison): 70 kilograms, pesticide: 1 bottle, ilegal crab-catching gear (locally called ‘charu’): 142 pieces, dinghy boats and  five trawlers were recovered till June 18

Forest guards also recovered deer traps hidden underground near the banks of the Shyala River in the Chandpai range. Confiscated fishing nets and illegal crab-catching equipment were later burned and destroyed during the operation.

DFO Rezaul Karim Chowdhury stated, “This ongoing operation to protect wildlife in the Sundarbans has already shown significant success. We are taking a tough stance against poaching and forest crimes.” Separate forest cases have been filed against the arrestees under the Forest Act.