A three-month ban on fishing and tourism in the Sundarbans will start from Thursday to ensure safe breeding and movement of fish and wild animals. Movement of all types of vessels including boats, fishing trawlers in the rivers and canals as well as the entry of fishermen and honey collectors will remain suspended from Thursday to August 31. No local for foreign tourists will be allowed to enter the forest during the period.
According to the Forest Department, 251 species of fish release eggs during this monsoon and so fishing will not be allowed in the forest. Besides, the ban will be applicable for safe breeding of 315 species of birds, 35 species of reptiles and 42 types of mammals. The authorities think the breeding by the fish and different species of animals will be obstructed due to sound of operating water vehicles in the water bodies.
No tourists will be allowed to visit the country’s lone wildlife breeding center Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center and 11 other tourist spots. Hawlader Azad Kabir, in-charge of the breeding center, said the government took the ban initiative to increase beautification of the forest and ensure safe breeding of fish and animals. He said tough action will be taken if the restriction is ignored.