S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir, Sundarbans

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the world’s largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans, to enjoy its pristine natural beauty. Popular tourist destinations such as Karamjal, Kalagachhia, Mandarbaria, Kotka, Kochikhali, Hiron Point, and Dublar Char draw visitors in large numbers. However, behind the joy of tourism lies a silent yet deadly threat—plastic pollution. The carelessness and irresponsibility of many tourists are slowly turning the forest’s delicate environment toxic.

A field visit to Karamjal and Kalagachhia tourist centers revealed a grim picture. Despite the presence of dustbins, tourists were seen leaving behind plastic bottles, chip packets, food wrappers, and polythene bags along walking trails, riverbanks, and even near the crocodile and turtle breeding centers. These unsightly wastes not only mar the visual beauty of the forest but also severely disrupt its natural balance.

Such waste degrades soil quality, obstructs water flow, and poses a significant threat to the Sundarbans’ overall ecosystem. Perhaps the most alarming consequence is that these plastics eventually break down into microplastics, entering the aquatic food chain and posing a fatal risk to fish, crabs, turtles, and other aquatic life.

Wild animals like deer, monkeys, and wild boars often consume plastic waste left by tourists, mistaking it for food. This disrupts their digestive systems, blocks their intestines, and can even cause death by suffocation. Local guide Rafique Sana from Karamjal said, “It’s heartbreaking to see monkeys chewing on plastic. We try to clean up after tourists, but it’s not always possible.”

Masumbillah, an experienced tour operator from Shyamnagar, shared, “Even though we provide bags on the boats to store waste and request tourists not to litter, many still don’t follow the rules. When they leave, garbage piles are left behind at the sites.”

Investigations reveal that most tourists lack awareness of the environmental sensitivity of the Sundarbans. Some knowingly litter, while others do so unknowingly, not realizing the damage they cause.

Experts and local authorities believe that only a coordinated effort can protect the Sundarbans from plastic pollution. Key steps include:banning single-use plastics within the Sundarbans : installing informative boards, distributing leaflets, and broadcasting awareness videos in all tourist areas; ensuring proper waste collection systems aboard boats and ships,; placing sufficient dustbins and ensuring regular waste disposal. 

Shyamnagar UNO  Ms. Rani Khatun stated, “We plan to meet with tour operators and guides before the next tourist season to launch awareness initiatives. If needed, we will also enforce the law to ensure compliance.”

She further added, “The Sundarbans is not just our national pride—it’s a global treasure. We all have the right to enjoy its beauty, but we also have a responsibility to protect it. These toxic ‘souvenirs’ left behind by tourists must not be allowed to leave permanent scars on this pristine forest. With collective effort and strict regulation, we can free the Sundarbans from the curse of plastic pollution and preserve its natural wonder for future generations.”