Tourists rush as Sundarbans reopens

The Sundarbans is observing a surge in tourist activity as local and foreign visitors flock to its popular destinations following the end of a three-month tourism ban.

The world’s largest mangrove forest reopened to tourists on September 1 after the seasonal restriction ended on August 31. More than 1,200 tourists visited different spots in the forest during the first four days.

Visitors are travelling by launches, tour boats, trawlers and other vessels to destinations including Katka, Kachikhali, Harbaria, Hiron Point, Dublar Char and Neelkamal.

The eastern part of the forest has seen a particularly strong influx, with Kachikhali and Katka wildlife sanctuaries among the most popular attractions.

Forester Dilip Majumder, acting officer of Kachikhali Wildlife Sanctuary, said hundreds of tourists, including women and children, visited the area on Thursday and Friday despite rain and adverse weather.

Mazharul Islam Kochi, secretary of the Tour Operators of Sundarbans (TOAS), said operators had received advance bookings even before the restriction ended.

Seven vessels carrying more than 300 tourists entered the forest on the first day after reopening, while another tourist vessel entered on Friday. More than 1,200 tourists had visited different spots by Friday, he said.

The Forest Department imposed the three-month restriction on fishing in the rivers and canals and tourist movement from June 1 to facilitate breeding and conservation of fish and wildlife. The Sundarbans is home to 291 fish species and 375 species of wild animals, including the Royal Bengal tiger and deer.

This year, the government provided financial assistance to affected fishermen for the first time.

Around 53% of the forest has been designated as wildlife sanctuary, where fishing and unrestricted movement are prohibited. Tourists must remain within designated spots and approved routes.

Forest officials said Boat Licence Certificates were being issued in phases to 12,000 vessels across four ranges. They urged tourists to avoid environmentally harmful activities and dispose of waste properly.

A Z M Hasanur Rahman, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division, said necessary pontoons had been repaired and tourist spots cleaned ahead of reopening.

At Karamjal, a one-kilometre foot trail, a suspension bridge, an RCC bridge and an information centre have been established to improve visitor facilities.

Md Saiful Islam, director of Sundari Eco Resort, said an eco-village had been established in Dhangmari as part of efforts to promote community-based tourism. “We have provided employment to hundreds of locals, and local stakeholders are also benefiting from this,” he said.

The Sundarbans currently has 114 Royal Bengal tigers, around 200,000 deer, 334 plant species, 165 algae species, 13 orchid species and around 300 bird species, according to the Forest Division.