Conservation of the Sunderbans

Not long ago the environment and forest minister, in reply to a question about the depleted number of the Royal Bengal Tigers in the Sunderbans, humorously stated that the tigers were paying a visit to the Indian part of the forest. When they return, their number will increase. Who knew that beneath the innocent humour, there indeed lies a bitter truth. The truth is that the 60 per cent of the world's largest mangrove on the Bangladesh side is becoming increasingly inhospitable to its unique animals. No wonder if its four-footed inhabitants, winged bipeds and reptiles opt for a permanent migration to the western part.
The forest fires reportedly caused deliberately by some notorious local plunderers of resources of the Sunderbans prove to be a threat to their lives. Already four such forest fires have been reported -the latest one could not fully be brought under control within 72 hours -in the past month alone. In order to facilitate fishing from a swamp within the Sunderbans, the gangs carried out the first and second arson attacks. The latest two were retaliatory in response to the court cases filed against them. Understandably, these are influential people with political connection and they are least concerned about the conservation of the forest apart from their own interests.
That three forest employees have been sacked in connection with the forest fires points to the fact that there is an unholy alliance in the act of pillage of forest resources, including poaching of tigers, deer and other rare animals. No wonder, the combined threat of poaching and devastating fires in the forest will drive more animals away. The area burnt down by the fire has been reported to one and a half acres in the first two cases and in the latest one the size varies. Some reports put it at three and a half acres but at least one Bangla contemporary has estimated it to be 15 acres.
Indeed, forest fire is a dreadful spectacle. The animals in the Sunderbans are not quite familiar with it. Now that it has been happening so frequently, the animals will panic and look for fresh pasture where no such danger lurks. No fires and poaching are usually reported from the Indian part of the forest. Why? What makes that part immune to such alarming developments? Is the management of the forest different there?
The fact that India has a long tradition of forest conservation is undeniable. One of the highly proven strategies is to actively involve the indigenous people living on forest resources in the process of conservation. Instead of pilfering forest resources, they stand guard against any illegal act aimed at smuggling timbers or collection of precious animal parts by killing them. The management of forest resources in this country is mostly flawed on this count. In Lauachhara one such forest conservation method was tried with some success but not entirely. Obviously, those in charge must boast cent per cent integrity if such a campaign has to be successful.
The Sunderbans is not just like any other forest. It is the country's first defence against mammoth oceanic water surges or cyclones. The forest's rich flora and fauna are a source of income for a large number of people. But exploitation of such resources has often been mindless without putting emphasis on the forest's conservation. Strengthening the forest department there with enough men and materials should be at the top of the agenda. The person in charge will have the capacity to appreciate the uniqueness of the forest and its role for the country. Whatever backing is necessary should be provided for retaining the special quality of the Sunderbans.