News Desk : dhakamirror.com
The forest department has imposed this three-month ban on fishing and tourism in the Sundarbans.
Local communities, including fishermen, wood and honey collectors, who depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods, are concerned about a three-month ban on all activities in the forest starting Saturday.
The restriction applies to visitors, including tourists, fishermen, and honey collectors. The ban will be lifted on September 1. According to the Forest Department, based on recommendations from the Integrated Resources Management Plans to protect fishery resources in the Sundarbans, netting fish in all the forest’s rivers and canals is halted from July 1 to August 30 every year.
However, since 2021, in coordination with the Fisheries Department, this ban period has been extended by one month, starting from June 1. According to the forest department, since 2019, access to the Sundarbans has been closed for two months starting 1 July each year.
However, in 2022, the ban was extended by one month, now beginning on 1 June. In Satkhira, approximately 50,000 people depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihood. The ban is causing difficulties for those who rely on the Sundarbans.
The government provides 56 kg of rice in two phases to those with a fisherman card, but many do not receive this assistance. Local resident urged authorities to verify and support genuine fishermen.
The initiative aims to ensure the safe breeding and movement of fish and wild animals, according to the Forest Department.
