The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is facing growing environmental threats from plastic pollution. Large quantities of plastic bottles, polythene bags, food packaging, discarded fishing gear, and other non-biodegradable waste are being found in canals, riverbanks, sandbars, and coastal areas of the forest.
Environmentalists warn that plastic waste is disrupting the Sundarbans' fragile ecosystem. The debris enters rivers and waterways, affecting fish breeding grounds, aquatic life, and natural forest regeneration. Experts fear the situation could become increasingly severe if effective measures are not taken.
To combat the problem, Forest Department has intensified cleanup efforts across the forest. Weekly operations are being conducted, removing significant amounts of waste from vulnerable areas.
As part of the Sundarbans Cleanup Campaign 2026, organized by Tour Operators Association of Sundarbans (TOAS) from May 4-6, cleanup activities were carried out in Kotka, Jamtola, Kochikhali, Dimer Char, and Andarmanik. Volunteers and officials collected plastic bottles, glass medicine containers, fishing-related plastic equipment, discarded solar panel components, and abandoned fishing nets.
The Forest Department has also launched special waste-removal programs in coastal sections of the forest, including Dimer Char and Kochikhali.
Local fishermen say the pollution is becoming increasingly visible. Altaf Sheikh, a fisherman from Sharankhola, said fishing nets frequently bring up plastic bottles alongside fish. He believes much of the waste is carried into the forest by rivers and ocean currents rather than being discarded by local fishermen.
Environmental activist Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, Chairman of Save the Sundarbans Foundation, warned that plastic pollution poses risks not only to wildlife but also to human health. Microplastics and other contaminants can enter the food chain through fish and marine species consumed by people.
Tourism operators reject claims that visitors are a major source of the waste. TOAS Joint Secretary Mazharul Islam Kochi said tourist vessels are required to store all waste onboard and transport it back to Khulna for proper disposal. According to him, recent cleanup drives found no evidence of tourist-generated waste.
Rezaual Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer of the Eastern Sundarbans Division, said large accumulations of plastic were discovered in coastal forest areas during inspections. Despite operating with only about one-third of the required workforce, the department continues conservation and cleanup efforts with support from local stakeholders.
Forest Department records show that between May 2025 and April 2026, authorities conducted 474 enforcement operations in the Chandpai and Sharankhola ranges. Hundreds of arrests were made for forest-related offenses, while illegal traps, poisoned fish, fishing equipment, boats, and wildlife products were seized.
The issue was also highlighted at the Sundarbans Summit 2026 in Khulna, where experts, government officials, and environmental organizations stressed the importance of protecting the forest. Speakers described the Sundarbans as a critical natural barrier against cyclones, storm surges, and sea-level rise, while supporting biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions.
Participants called for stronger conservation policies, stricter law enforcement, sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, and broader public awareness to ensure the long-term protection of one of the world's most important ecosystems.
