About Sundarban and its management

Past History of Sundarban: In the 16^th century, the Sundarbans forests were the property of the local king or Zamindar who imposed levy on the extraction on wood from the forest. During the British period, the Crown assumed the proprietary right over the forest. Forests were leased under the ACT in 1830 to Europeans. This resulted in the progressive conversion of forests into agricultural land that continued up to 1875. A number of prominent British foresters visited the Sundarbans within 1863 to 1874 and succeeded in raising awareness in the colonial administration about the value of the forests. Their recommendations resulted in the introduction of a set of guidelines initiating the first conservation activities. Leasing out of forests land was thus stopped in 1875 and the remaining unleased forest was declared as Reserve Forests under the Forest Act of 1876. A Forest Management Division was established in 1879 at Khulna that regulated export of timber and was in charge of management. The Boundary of the Bangladesh portion of the forest has remained mostly unchanged for the last 125 years. The conservation effort received a boost when in 1977 the government set aside 139700 hectares for three wildlife sanctuaries under the Wildlife Act of 1973.    

Present Sundarban- The World Heritage, Pride of Bangladesh: If we say beautification of forests, then always goes eyes towards Sundarban, which is the world heritage site. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and also home the Royal Bengal Tiger. There are three wildlife sanctuaries say Sundarbvan East, Sundarban South and Sundarban West declared within the larger Sundarban Reserve Forests. The unique arrays of natural mangrove forest, creeks, meandering streams, rivers, estuaries and spectacular wildlife make it a feasted for all eyes. This Sundarban is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. From Khulna city Sundarban is reachable by boat. It is approximately 73 km away from Khulna city. The total area of Sundarban Reserve Forests are approximately 6,01,700 hectares. Within the boundary of this Reserve Forest are found the three Windlife Sanctuaries, and it is total of 1,39,698 hectares of land covered. In the Sundarban Royal Bengal Tiger is the king of the forests. Addition to that Spotted Deer’s, Iriwaddy Dolphin, and Estuarine Crocodiles are also available in that forests area. A rich avifauna that comprises about 50% of birds known in Bangladesh, which are migrant and also seasonal birds. This wild nature is very much enjoyable to the visitors. In the winter season, local and also foreign visitors gather Sundarban for watching the natural beautification and also Royal Bengal Tiger. The forest is comprised of plant species that can grow on salty and withstand periodic inundation. The main species are Sundari, Gewa and Goran, with a total of 334 plant species. About 289 terrestrial fanual species and 219 aquatic faunal species have been recorded. Prominent and important mammal species includes the Royal Bengal Tiger, Spotted Deer, Macaque, Wild Boar, Jackal and Indian Fishing Cats. The Reserve Forests and Sanctuaries have a rich bird population of 315 species of which 84 are migratory.

Different Places to visit Sundarban:

1.Karamjal: It is the major entry point to visit Sundarban. This place is located in the Mongla Port, about 5 km distance from the port. Here visitor centre is the good place for a half-day visit to get an overall idea and feel about Sundarban. THe main arttraction of this place is mangrove arboretum, Deer and Crocodile rearing centre, obervation tower and also viewing the dolphin jumping in the Passur River on the way to Karamjal.

2.Katka: This is one of the most breath taking spots in the region. it is also the best spot to see the Spotted Deer that graze around in herds or even the Royal Bengal Tiger stalking down the shores of the beaches, crossing one of the canals, or simply snoozing, Katka is 150 km from Khulna city and 100 km from Mongla. One can travel to Katka from Mongla or Khulna Forest Ghat via various hired water vessels like speedboats, cabin cruisers, sea truck or launch. The main attraction of this place are spotted deer’s, jamtola watchtower to view wildlife, Tiger spotting etc.

1.  Kachikhali: This is one of the suitable places, where one can visit Kachikhali. It is 14 km east of Katka. There is an isolated sea deep beach inside the forest. The Sundarban Esat Wildlife Sancturay manages this site. The main attraction of this place is Virgin beach, night canoeing etc.

2.  Nilkomol: This is known as “Hiron Point” located in the southern part of the Sundarbans. It is 80 km away from Mongla port and 130 km from Khulna. Only water way is available to reach that palce. The main attractions of this place are king Cobra, Otter, Spooted Deer, Tiger spotting.

3.  Mandarbaria: Mandarbaria is an isolated island tucked away in the south-west corner of the Sundarban and though a bit hard to access due to deep estuaries can be reached by launch or speedboat from Dublar Char or Nilkomol.

4.  Dublar Char: This is 25 km southwest of Katka and 35 km away from Nilkomol and can be accessed by launch, speedboat and Jali boat. For fishing Fisherman’s access this place and it is called the fisher’s island. The main attractions of this place are various species of fish and crabs, Rassh Mela on November, Local fish processing procedures.