The forest department has formed a three-member committee to find out the cause of the fire and the extent of damage
Over the past two decades, the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest mangrove forest have been besieged by fires. Despite numerous inquiry committees and reports, the recommendations remain stagnant, suggesting a lack of implementation.
Recently, another blaze erupted in the Amurbunia area of the Chandpai range in Bagerhat, amplifying concerns amid the scorching heatwave. The Department of Forest, alongside villagers, mobilized efforts to contain the inferno, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to combat such crises.
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Mohammad Kaymuzzaman, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense Mongla station, stated that the distance of water from where the fire broke out is approximately two kilometers, which has hindered the initiation of fire extinguishing efforts.
“As it was evening, we had to return without commencing operations. However, we will enter the forest tomorrow morning to begin extinguishing the fire,” he added.
The remoteness of the area, approximately two kilometers from water sources, poses a logistical challenge for firefighting efforts. Despite the valiant attempts of the fire service and civil defense personnel, the abundance of dry leaves fuels the fire, making it difficult to control. The risk of the fire spreading looms large, prompting preemptive measures to contain its advance.
A three-member committee has been formed to find out the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.
Over the past two decades, there have been 24 fires in the Sundarbans East Forest Division. The inquiry committees come up with reports in due time but with the same recommendations being made time and again, it is obvious that the recommendations are not being implemented properly.
Every year the source for the fires is cited as cigarettes of the fishermen and honey collectors or from the flames of the torches used to drive away bees. A clear picture of the fierceness of these fires can be obtained from the local low-income people whose livelihood depends wholly on the forest.
Persistent Fires Ravage Sundarbans East Forest Division
Over the span of two decades, Sundarbans East Forest Division has witnessed 24 devastating fires. Despite inquiry committees issuing reports, the recurrence of blazes suggests a failure in implementing recommended measures.
Honey collectors in the dock
Honey collectors, often under scrutiny during fire incidents, use a method called ‘karu’ for safety. This involves a torch with dry leaves in the center and green leaves on the outside, which smolders and spreads smoke rather than catching fire. This ‘karu’ is extinguished during honey collection, with any remaining embers put out with water or wet soil.
In the fiscal year 2019-20, the West Forest Division harvested 3,227.50 quintals of honey, generating revenue of BDT 2,420,625 (28,000 USD). Meanwhile, the East Forest Division collected 1,220.50 quintals, earning BDT 915,375 (10,500 USD). Despite having more honey collectors, the West Division experienced no fires, unlike the East Division.
It’s concerning that out of 24 inquiry reports, the cause of fire has been attributed to embers left by fishermen and honey collectors 15 times. Only five of these reports mentioned the possibility of miscreants intentionally starting fires to facilitate fishing.
Honey Collection Comparison (FY 2019-20)
West Forest Division:
- Honey Harvested: 3,227.50 quintals
- Revenue: BDT 2,420,625 (28,000 USD)
East Forest Division:
- Honey Harvested: 1,220.50 quintals
- Revenue: BDT 915,375 (10,500 USD)
Inquiry reports and repetitions
After each fire ravages the Sundarbans, a committee is promptly assembled, primarily comprising forest department officials. However, questions arise regarding the inclusion of environmentalists, local forest dwellers, or stakeholders from Sundarbans conservation projects in these committees.
Fire Incidents in the Sundarbans: Land Damage Overview
- Total land damaged: Approximately 75 acres
- Number of fire incidents: 26
The financial toll of the fires over the past two decades in the ecologically rich Sundarbans amounts to Tk 2,300,533 (Tk 23 lakh 533 thousand), with additional environmental damages estimated. However, quantifying the harm to the endangered biodiversity, microorganisms, and animal life remains elusive.
Notably, previous inquiry reports often fail to specify these damages. For instance, a 2002 fire in Katka sanctuary destroyed numerous trees, yet the extent of the damage was left uncalculated.
In recent efforts to combat fires, firefighters have been deployed, as seen on May 4, 2021. However, the monetary evaluation of damages, such as the burning of dry grass in 2004 and the significant losses in 2006, underscores a stark disparity. Despite the staggering financial toll, recommendations provided in numerous reports remain largely unheeded. The recurrent blame placed on fishermen, honey collectors, extreme weather, or acts of retaliation highlights a systemic failure to address root causes.
The surge in fires in 2016, particularly in Dhansagar station of Chandpai Range, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies. Brig Gen (retd) Ali Ahmad Khan, former director general of the fire service, stresses the prioritization of life-saving efforts, resource protection, and environmental conservation in fire response protocols. However, the persistent lack of awareness and publicity surrounding the Sundarbans fires underscores the broader challenges in safeguarding this vital ecological treasure.
Adverse impact of climate and devious schemes
The Sundarbans, a vital coastal forest, faces increasing threats from climate change, evident in altered river courses and heightened fire risks. Despite varied sources, fires spread rapidly through dry vegetation, exacerbating the forest’s vulnerability. Observers note significant changes due to cyclones, tidal surges, and global warming, impacting both wildlife and human settlements. With shrinking river widths enabling easier access between the forest and villages, encounters between humans and wildlife escalate, posing risks to both parties.
Conclusion
Once, it was said that the rivers in the Sundarbans widened with each bend. Now, locals observe the rivers drying up with each turn. These changes in the Sundarbans serve as a clear message from nature, indicating humanity’s inability to govern it effectively. If a fire of human origin were to occur, there would be no opportunity for the fire brigade to respond promptly. Even if a spark were to ignite a fire, there would be insufficient time to document such a crime in the annals of history.
