The Sundarbans, a vital ecological treasure, is facing severe destruction as commercial interests, especially unregulated resorts, encroach upon its natural habitat. From illegal construction to reckless tourism practices, these businesses are not only damaging the ecosystem but also endangering the biodiversity that thrives in this mangrove forest.
If immediate steps are not taken, these so-called “eco-resorts” may end up causing irreversible harm to the Sundarbans. Currently, there are more than 35 resorts in the region.
Unregulated resorts and tourism
Every day, tourists flock to these resorts, entering the forest without restrictions, throwing cigarette butts and plastic packets into the rivers, putting the ecosystem at risk.
These resorts have sprung up in Kailashganj and Baniashanta unions of Dakope upazila, bordering the Sundarbans. Through flashy ads on social media, these resorts attract tourists, who in turn host loud music and DJ parties, which pose a threat to the forest’s wildlife.
There are also questions about the legality of these private resorts. The unchecked establishment of resorts has created a multi-faceted crisis.
Located right next to a patrol station of the Forest Department is a resort named “Bonolota”. Though it is labeled an eco-resort, its rooms, dining areas, and washrooms are fitted with concrete tiles.
Only 50 metres from the Sundarbans, the resort plays loud music through in-house sound systems. With three rooms and an open area facing the Sundarbans, tourists are ferried into the forest for Tk200 per person. In Kailashganj and Banishanta unions, 35 similar resorts have been opened, while some are still being constructed.
What officials say: Sharmila, a CPG worker at the Loudob patrol station of the Forest Department, said that despite the separate locations of the forest and nearby communities, protecting the Sundarbans is becoming increasingly difficult.
The construction of resorts has led to the unchecked entry of people into the forest, evading government revenue. They have no regard for the forest department or anyone else, she added.
Dr Wasiul Islam, professor of Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline at Khulna University, said that the Sundarban Travel Rule strictly regulates activities within the forest. The government is currently working on a project that includes eco-tourism, but there should be clear guidelines for establishing resorts.
Khulna Divisional Forest Department (Sadar Zone) In Charge Md Hasan said: “We have boundaries in the forest. We don’t have the right to see if anyone does anything even an inch away from it. If someone enters the forest and does something, give us proof. We will take action.”
Outgoing Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Dakope upazila, Jaydeb Chakraborty, acknowledged that several resorts were built before his tenure. No one has ever sought permission, and it remains unclear if permission is even required. Meanwhile, newly appointed Dakope UNO Md Asmat Hossain assured that he would look into the matter and take legal action if necessary.
Dr Abu Nasir Mohsin Hossain, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans West Division, said resort businesses are undoubtedly a threat to the Sundarbans.
“The bright lights, throwing waste into the river, and noise pollution are harming the forest and its biodiversity. Furthermore, tourists are often enticed with offers of deer meat, which further endangers the wildlife,” he added.
He said it would not be easy to demolish the resorts that have been built, rather, they have to be brought under certification.
There are three types of certifications: Gold, Platinum, and Silver. A resort certified as Silver must comply with environmental and forest regulations. Those achieving Gold certification are required to implement even more environmentally friendly practices. Platinum certification, the highest level, demands that the resort operates without causing any pollution or environmental harm.
What the law says
The Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 allows the government to declare an area as ecologically critical if its ecosystem is in danger. Such declarations must include legal descriptions and maps of the area. After the declaration, a management plan will be developed, and specific harmful activities will be prohibited. The government will take necessary actions to address the critical situation.