S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir, Sundarbans

The Forest Department has taken a new initiative to prevent intrusion, arson, and piracy in the Sundarbans — the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the “Fish Treasury” of the southwestern region. To safeguard the Sundarbans, nylon fences, two RCC watchtowers, and two elevated fortified posts (locally known as "killa") are being constructed near human settlements bordering the forest.

These infrastructures are being built under the Tiger Conservation Project, with an allocated budget of 43.225 million BDT (approx. $392,000 USD). The project is expected to be completed by March 2026.

According to Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans Division, approximately 25 kilometers of nylon fencing has already been completed in areas near the Chandpai Range to prevent unauthorized access and fire incidents. Additionally, construction is underway for another 14 kilometers of fencing. The two RCC watchtowers at Nangli and Dhanasagar Forest Patrol Outposts, known to be high-risk areas, are nearing completion.

The DFO further mentioned that once the fencing across the entire 45-kilometer high-risk perimeter is completed, it will effectively prevent unauthorized intrusion and the entry of fire-setting bandits. At the same time, it will stop local residents and their domestic animals from entering the forest.

It will also prevent wildlife such as tigers, deer, and other species from entering human settlements. Upon the completion of fencing, watchtowers, and fortified posts from Boidyomari in Chandpai Range to Daser Varani Patrol Outpost in the Sharankhola Range, a new milestone will be achieved in conserving the biodiversity of the Sundarbans.

Moreover, to enhance the fire prevention capability, preparations are underway to procure a modern fire-fighting system, pontoons, and other essential equipment. Once these infrastructures are in place, incidents of fire, piracy, and illegal entry in the Sundarbans are expected to be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer habitat for wildlife.

According to Forest Department sources, multiple fire incidents occurred in the Chandpai and Dhanasagar Ranges of the Eastern Sundarbans over the past few years. Investigations revealed that many of these fires were deliberate, set by pirates to seize control of fishing zones and extract illegal tolls. Between 2021 and 2024, at least eight fire incidents occurred in various parts of the Sundarbans, three of which were major, burning down hundreds of acres of forest, resulting in extensive damage to vegetation, wildlife, and bird habitats.