The Sundarbans has regained its vibrancy after a three-month closure, with thousands of fishermen returning to its rivers and canals and tourists once again flocking to the world’s largest mangrove forest.
The 91-day ban on the entry of tourists and forest-dependent communities, imposed to protect biodiversity and ensure the breeding of wildlife and aquatic species, ended on August 31. The forest was reopened on September 1.
In the first six days after reopening, 36 tourist launches carrying 2,520 visitors, including eight foreign nationals, entered the Sundarbans, according to Forest Department officials. During the same period, 5,844 boats received boat licence certificates (BLCs) to enter the forest for fishing and crab collection.
The Sundarbans has 14 designated tourist spots under its eastern and western forest divisions. Every year, several lakh tourists visit the forest, while thousands of forest-dependent people enter with permission to collect fish, crabs, golpata and honey.
Since 2021, Forest Department has imposed the annual closure during the breeding season to minimize human disturbance and protect the forest’s biodiversity.
The reopening has already brought renewed activity to popular tourist destinations, particularly Karamjal in Bagerhat. Tourist vessels are regularly arriving at the jetty, while visitors are exploring foot trails and travelling to destinations, including Katka, Kochikhali, Jamtala and Andharmanik.
Visitors are arriving with family members, friends and organised groups to experience the forest’s rivers, canals and wildlife. Many are seen taking photographs and videos of deer, monkeys and other animals.
Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Centre officer-in-charge Hawlader Azad Kabir said tourist numbers were initially lower due to adverse weather but had been increasing as conditions improved. “We have taken necessary measures to ensure that tourists can visit safely and comfortably,” he said, urging visitors to act responsibly to help protect the fragile ecosystem.
Sundarbans East Division Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said the three-month closure had produced visible benefits for the forest and its wildlife. “During the closure, we observed a significant increase in the presence of fish in different canals. Wildlife also moved more freely,” he said.
He added that large herds of deer and tigers had been spotted during the closure, while several wildlife sightings were captured by Forest Department personnel.
Forest officials said the closure allowed wildlife to move with fewer disturbances. Tigers, crocodiles, deer, wild boars and monkeys were seen at different locations during the three-month period.
Sharankhola Range Assistant Conservator of Forests Md Shariful Islam said surveillance and patrols had been strengthened during the closure to prevent forest crimes and illegal entry. “Smart patrols were conducted for 20 days a month instead of the usual seven days, while patrol teams remained active round the clock depending on the tides,” he said.
Forest officials believe the return of tourists and fishermen, alongside increased sightings of wildlife and fish, reflects the positive impact of the three-month closure on the Sundarbans ecosystem.
