‘Goalpata’ collection has started in Sundarbans. The Forest Division has taken strict security measures, sources said.
Sources said, Bawalis (Goalpata collectors) are collecting goalpata from two zones of the west division of the Sundarbans without any obstacles. The first trip collection was already brought to the locality. But the forest division authorities have taken this year much more hard rules than that of the previous years, said some Bawalis.
It is learnt that Bawalis are losing their eagerness to collect goalpata due to shrinking and decreasing demand of collecting forest things. The forest division was strict this year during the full season of collecting goalpata. At first the authorities were unyielding in respect of giving permission for collecting goalpata from the Sundarbans. Of course, permission was given later on after passing one month of the season. With a view to relax the pressure from the forest, the authorities decided so, as they claimed.
Forest division sources said, one zone in Satkhira range and the two other zones are in Khulna range of the west zone of the Sundarbans for collecting goalpata this year. Permission of 168 BLCs were given for collecting 82500 mounds of goalpata from Khulna Zone (Range). On the other hand, 19 BLCs were given to the Bawalis for collecting 19 thousand mounds of goalpata from Satkhira Range, said Satkhira Rang officers Md. Sultan Mahmud and KM Kabiruddin .
Sources of the forest division further said, collecting goalpata will be continued up to March 30 this year.
Md. Abu Saleh, assistant conservator (ACF) of Forest of Khulna Range said, with a view to reduce dependence and pressure upon the Sundarbans, the forest division has decided to give limited permission for collection of Goalpata this year. He said adding that the forest division has taken necessary security measures so that the Bawalis may not fall in danger.
Eagerness of the traders is less than that of the last year and as such the target may not be fulfilled, it is apprehended.
According to the information of the forest division, some conditions were fixed regarding collection goalpata. The conditions are- Boats loadable more than 500 mounds goalpata will not allowed, middle level leaves and supporting leaves are not allowed to cut at any cost and incentive observation will be conducted so that nobody could smuggle other things in the guise of collecting goalparta.
Md. Mohidul Islam Sana, a Bawali of 1no. Koyra village in Koyra upazila of Khulna district said, he has been collecting goalpata for around 20 years, but he never seen so strictness of the forest division as like as this year.
“I’ve no eagerness like previous times in respect of collecting goalpata due to decreasing uses of goalpata, pirates’ attacks, filling canals inside the forest and moreover no valid and invalid opportunities in the forest like previous periods”, he added.
Md. Nur Islam, another Bawali Koyra upazila area said, demands of goalpata are not available now like previous periods, due to less sale, some retail traders kept stock.
Some other Bawalis said, goalpata trading is not now so profitable according to the investments.
Goalpata trader Md. Solaiman said, demand of Goalpata has been decreasing day due to less sale.
Md. Bashirul Al Mamun, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the west division of the Sundarbans said, forest things collection were made limited with a view to relax pressure up on the Sundarbans.
Permission of the Renewal of BLC were given after proper monitoring, he added.
