The Sundarbans, with 450 small and big rivers and canals crisscrossing it, supports a rich ecosystem with approximately 400 species of fish and aquatic animals, along with 25 species of snakes and 215 bird species. This mangrove forest is a precious resource, playing a pivotal role in the economy, environment, and various other parameters.
Furthermore, the Sundarbans acts as a natural barrier, safeguarding the south-western region from the onslaught of storms. However, this invaluable ecosystem is under threat due to the occasional fire, climatic disasters and rise in salinity and plundering of its resources.
Despite the ban on poaching of its flora and fauna, it couldn’t be stopped, which is contributing to the slow-death of the world’s largest mangrove forest. Complaints against illegal sale of its trees in collusion with some forest officials are hardly addressed. Such degradation of the forest poses a grave threat to the Royal Bengal tiger and other wildlife.
Moreover, the poisoning of fish in the rivers and canals of the Sundarbans has emerged as another environmental hazard. This irresponsible act not only decimates fish populations but also results in the deaths of other animals that consume the poisoned fish.
Such destructive activities must be halted at all costs. A small number of miscreants are responsible for this poisoning, and it is imperative to intensify the forest department’s patrols while employing covert strategic measures to apprehend these individuals.