In observing the annual Sundarbans Day on February 14 speakers at a seminar in Dhaka highlighted the critical need of stopping the destructive poison fishing to save flora and fauna of the world’s largest mangrove forest. The biodiversity of Sundarbans has long been under threat due to over-extraction of its resources, poaching, and the adverse effects of climate change. And now a faction of fishermen is spreading certain types of poison in rivers adjacent to the Sundarbans only to catch fish by killing them all! In this way, the predatory and short-sighted fishermen are not only depleting the marine resources by killing even the fry, but also wreaking havoc on the entire biodiversity of the world’s largest mangrove forest.
All marine and wildlife, without exception, is under threat by all the poison entering this fragile ecosystem. Even the iconic Royal Bengal Tigers, symbols of strength and majesty, are not spared. Observers claim that at least five tigers succumbed to death by poisoning in the Sarankhola range alone over the past four years. Additionally, the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste by tourists in forest rivers further compounds the dangers faced by the Sundarbans often referred to as the lungs of Bangladesh.
The root cause of these challenges lies in the lack of effective forest management, where violations of rules and regulations have become the norm rather than the exception. Poison fishing is just one manifestation of the widespread over-extraction of forest resources, which necessitates immediate action to curb this destructive practice and ensure the proper conservation of this globally renowned mangrove sanctuary.
The communities living on the periphery of the Sundarbans face limited employment opportunities, leading to a heavy reliance on dwindling forest resources such as fish, timber, and honey. The poor people trying to eke out a living do not hesitate to violate the law, exacerbating further strain on the forest.
Addressing these challenges requires a serious multifaceted approach, encompassing both conservation efforts and socio-economic development initiatives. Sustainable forest management practices, coupled with making fishermen aware of the consequences of dangerous fishing tactics and the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities, are essential to alleviate pressure on the Sundarbans and its inhabitants.
Experts have continuously emphasised the urgent need for maintaining biodiversity of the mangrove forest that has great tourism potential and safeguards the southwestern region from the onslaught of storms. But nothing will work as long as the forest department remains passive observers when the water of the rivers crisscrossing the mangrove forest is being made toxic by spreading poison and the fauna is being willfully depleted by poachers. The Coast Guard and local members of law enforcing agencies occasionally conduct drives, but such sporadic actions will not deliver the desired result.
The injection of poison into the veins of the Sundarbans, a world heritage site, is bleaching an increasing number of animals to death both in water and on land. These evil acts must not continue with such callous disregard and impunity. A comprehensive drive and constant vigil by a joint team of the Forest Department, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard is urgently needed before it’s too late. The Forest Department and Coast Guard should be equipped with modern facilities necessary to contain the acts of crimes in the Sundarbans and maintain 24-hour vigilance in every corner of the forest. Only through effective concerted efforts and long-term planning now can we ensure the survival of the Sundarbans and preserve its invaluable biodiversity for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.