Recently, on the morning of May 3, 2021, a fire broke out in compartment No. 24 of Das’s Varani patrol outpost in Sharankhola Range, East Division of Sundarbans. Earlier on February 8 of this year, a same fire in the Dhansagar area of the Chandpai Range in the eastern part of the Sundarbans burned about four percent of the forest. The fire in the Sundarbans has been brought under control, the concerned fire service and forest department claimed. The forest department has formed investigations at different times to look into the incidents of these fires and according to them, sabotage, unconsciousness, neglected smoking or cigarettes are the main causes of these fires. However, according to experts, some of the local beekeepers, in collusion with the forest rangers, set fire to collect honey. In addition, many go to the forest to collect wood or catch fish in the forest and used to cook and those concerned are of the opinion that the forest fire started from that fire. However, no matter how these fires occur, it is not just a matter of financial judgment, it is a serious threat to global warming and natural disasters and these fires contribute significantly to the rise of greenhouse gases.
According to media reports, there have been 23 fire accidents in the Sundarbans in the last two decades. According to the forest department, 61 acres and 66 decimals of the forest resources (including various trees and shrubs) were burnt in the previous 22 fires, with a financial value of Tk 1.80 million. According to the Forest Department, once in the Katpai of Chandpai Range in the eastern part of the Sundarbans in 2002, twice in Nangli and Mandarbaria of the same range, twice in 2005 in Pachakoralia and Sutar Khal area of Ghutabaria, five times in 2006 in Terabeka, Amurbunia, Khurabaria, Pachakoralia and Dhansar in Panchkora, three fires in 2007 in Pachakoralia, Nangli and Dumuria, one in Gulishakhali in 2010, two in Nangli in 2011, one in Gulishakhali in 2014, three in Nangli, Pachakoralia and Tulatala in 2016, one in Madrasarchilya in 2017 and last on February 8, 2021 in Dhansagar area.
The Sundarbans is a profoundly rich vast forest in biodiversity and one of the most attractive places for people all over the world. It is the favourite habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, a symbol of valour. The Sundarbans stands strongly in the face of natural disasters such as cyclone Sidr, Aila, Fani and Bulbul. The largest mangrove forest in South America, the Amazon is called the lungs of the world and the Sundarbans is the lungs of Bangladesh. The forest has acted as the biggest natural shield for Bangladesh. Hurricane Amphan, Bulbul on November 9, 2019, Hurricane Aila on May 25, 2009 and Cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007 struck with deadly destructive power but were weakened due to obstruction in the Sundarbans. The result was much less damage and the death toll was much lower than expected.
Researchers say the Sundarbans is one of the main sources of biodiversity and environmental protection. During the Sidr, Aila and Bulbul, the Sundarbans acted as a bulwark like Manavvarman, while the existence of the Sundarbans and such natural forests is under threat due to some man-made causes. And the Rampal coal-fired power plant to be built next to the Sundarbans has become a ‘blow to the ground’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If this continues, it will not take long for the only natural bulwark Sundarbans to be lost.
The Rampal power project is located just 14 km from the Sundarbans. The government did not back down from the project despite the concerns and anxieties of various quarters. Needless to say, this will result in severe damage to the forests, environment and livelihoods of the Sundarbans. This project is a threat to the survival of the Sundarbans in the long run. We must protect the Sundarbans to be saved from future catastrophes. We have to take a long-term plan to protect the Sundarbans in the national interest.
The committees formed to investigate forest fires in the Sundarbans recommended raising the awareness of forest users to protect the forest, excavating dead rivers adjacent to the forest, and constructing fences and watch towers in border areas. But in these cases, the committee of inquiry is formed, the committee also makes recommendations, but just as the report of the committee of inquiry does not see the light of day, the recommendations are not implemented properly. The Forest Department has formed a three-member inquiry committee to determine the cause of the latest Sundarbans fire and the extent of the damage. The committee will investigate and report, identify those responsible, find out the extent of negligence, and recommend punishment, but no one will know who is responsible. But no matter who is responsible, it is the responsibility of all of us to protect the Sundarbans, the lungs of Bangladesh and South Asia, and we have to protect the Sundarbans for our own survival. Whoever is involved in man-made negligence like fire must be brought under the law and appropriate punishment must be ensured.
(Mr. Rahaman is a banker and freelance contributor. Email: [email protected])
