Covered bins, no loud music for Sundarbans boats

Tourist vessels operating in the Sundarbans have been instructed to keep covered dustbins on board and refrain from playing loud music to protect the mangrove forest’s biodiversity and natural environment.

The directives were issued at a view-exchange meeting with vessel owners and operators, jointly organised by the Department of Environment’s Bagerhat office and the Sundarbans East Forest Division at the Mongla Forest Ghat fuel jetty on Tuesday, reports New Age.

Speaking at the meeting, DoE deputy director Asadur Rahman said every tourist vessel must have a pedal-operated, covered dustbin.

He warned operators against dumping any waste into rivers and instructed them to dispose of accumulated waste at designated dumping sites after every trip.

He also directed vessel operators not to play loud music while carrying tourists in the Sundarbans.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, stressed the need for collective responsibility and vigilance to prevent river pollution and conserve the forest’s biodiversity and natural environment.

The participating vessel owners and operators demanded the installation of three permanent dustbins at Mongla Ferry Ghat and Picnic Corner. They also pledged to remain vigilant to prevent river pollution.