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Fire incidents in the Sundarbans

Published : Tuesday, 18 May, 2021 at 12:00 AM  Count : 789
Md Zillur Rahaman
The Sundarbans is a vast forest on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, one of the natural wonders of the world. It is the single largest mangrove forest in the world. The Sundarbans is profoundly rich in biodiversity and is one of the most attractive places for people all over the world. It is the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, a symbol of valor. The Sundarbans stands strongly in the face of natural disasters. The Sundarbans is called the lungs of Bangladesh as well as in South Asia. But the Sundarbans is now under extreme threat due to various man-made disasters.

The Sundarbans has been proved to be the biggest loyal friend of the people of southwestern part of Bangladesh. Hurricane Amphan, Bulbul, Aila Cyclone Sidr all struck with deadly destructive power but were weakened due to obstruction of the Sundarbans. The result was much less damage and the death toll was much lower than projected. The Sundarbans works as a wall to protect the people of the southwestern coast and adjoining areas of the country from natural disasters.

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, fire in the Dhansagar area of the Chandpai Range in the eastern part of the Sundarbans burned about four per cent 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 investigation team at different times to look into the incidents of these fires.

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.

Bangladesh is one of the countries mostly at risk from the effects of climate change. Apart from climate change, river delta Bangladesh is facing many more natural crises. Climate change risks include thunderstorms, excess rainfall and flooding in coastal areas, and man-made forest fires, which have already become apparent. These issues came up in the 2014 assessment of a UN committee comprising the governments of different countries. Inflammation is on the rise in most parts of Europe, Asia and Australia. Heavy rainfall has intensified in North America and Europe, and similar examples are emerging around the world in recent days. These are serious threats to the balance of the environment and biodiversity.

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.

About 72% of the total area of the Sundarbans is in Bangladesh and this naturally formed forest is the first to deal with the disasters that have arisen from the sea. The Sundarbans, the lung of Bangladesh, acts as a huge oxygen factory. We are lucky to have Sundarbans but it is a matter of concern that we are constantly pushing the Sundarbans towards destruction. Sometimes in the name of development, sometimes because of individual or group interests.

Researchers say the Sundarbans is one of the main sources of biodiversity and environmental protection. If manmade disasters continue, it will not take long for the only natural bulwark Sundarbans to be lost. For this, besides making everyone aware, the government should also come forward to protect the Sundarbans. In order to be successful in dealing with disasters, we need to be more aware and vigilant in addition to maintaining our capacity in these areas.

In addition to dealing with natural disasters, the Sundarbans is playing an important role in the national economy as well as in the economy of southwestern Bangladesh. The Sundarbans is the single largest source of total forest resources in the country. The Sundarbans is providing a huge portion of the raw material for the timber-dependent industry. Many people make a living and livelihoods in the Sundarbans. But it is a matter of regret that sometimes the forest is being destroyed by fire and sometimes on various pretexts.

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. Even 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 awareness of forest going people 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 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. 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 disaster, like fire, must be brought to book.
Md Zillur Rahaman, Banker and Freelance Contributor








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