The naval route through Sundarbans must be shut immediately to save the largest mangrove forest in the world, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Environment and Forests Abdullah Al Islam Jakob has said.
Jakob made this observation to journalists on Wednesday after visiting the spot where oil tanker capsized in the Shella river in Sundarbans.
The minister said: “The capsize of oil tanker in the Shella river in Sundarbans has caused irreparable damage. This sort of accident has never occurred in the history of Sundarbans.”
A rescue ship called Jobeda-5 reached the spot on Wednesday night near the incident spot at the Shella River.
However, the rescue operation will commence on Thursday morning.
Assistant Forest reserve officer of Chadpai range, Belayet Hossain confirmed the news.
He said three rescue ships from Chittagong, Barisal and Narayanganj are on the way. He also informed that the spilled oil is within twenty kilometers.
Less pressure of water due to dry season, less intense tidal waves are not allowing the dissemination of the oil, he added.
However, the locals claimed the oil has been spread over 70 kilometers in the area.