Forest Department starts investigation into Sundarbans fires

Bagerhat, 25 Mar  – The Forest Department launched an investigation into the recent fire incidents in the Shaplar Beel and Tepar Beel areas of the Sundarbans on Tuesday.

Two separate three-member investigation committees were formed by Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Dipan Chandra Das of the Chandpai Range was appointed as the head of one of the investigation committees. The committees have been instructed to submit their reports within seven working days.

Speaking about the probe, ACF Dipan Chandra Das said that the investigation was already commenced and evidence was collected from the affected areas to determine the cause of the fire, the extent of damage to the forest, the number and types of trees burned, and the impact on biodiversity.

Additionally, the committees will provide recommendations on fire prevention measures to protect the Sundarbans in the future, he mentioned.

He also said that investigations into the Shaplar Beel and Tepar Beel fire incidents are progressing simultaneously. Upon completion, the findings will be submitted to the Divisional Forest Officer.

Sakaria Haider, Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of the Bagerhat Fire Service and Civil Defense, reported that water was pumped from the Bhola River, approximately three kilometers away, and sprayed over the fire through a pipeline.

According to him, as of 4pm on Tuesday, 99% of the fire at Shaplar Beel had been extinguished, and no visible flames or smoke remained, however, search operations are ongoing to confirm the complete absence of fire, he noted.

He cautioned that fires in the Sundarbans could sometimes spread underground through tree roots. “Therefore, monitoring and inspections will continue until Wednesday morning. If no signs of fire are found, an official announcement declaring the fire completely extinguished will be made,” he added.