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The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, will reopen to tourists, fishermen and forest-dependent communities on Tuesday (1 September) after a three-month closure.
The ban on entry to the forest, imposed from June to August to protect fish breeding, biodiversity and the natural ecosystem, will be lifted from Tuesday.
Tour operators, boat owners, guides and fishermen are already preparing to resume activities, while eco-cottages near the forest are also getting ready to welcome visitors.
However, forest-dependent communities say concerns over pirates remain. They allege that entering the forest often involves paying extortion or “shares” to pirate groups.
The three-month shutdown had brought Sundarbans-based tourism to a halt, affecting ship owners, tour operators, guides, boatmen and local communities. Industry stakeholders hope favourable weather, navigable waterways and a stable environment will make the 2026-27 tourism season a successful one.
Several popular vessels, including MV Alaska, MV The Crown and MV Sher Khan 2.0, are preparing to operate three-day, two-night Sundarbans tours from the beginning of the new season.
Khulna Regional Forest Conservator Imran Ahmed said the annual three-month closure was introduced to ensure undisturbed breeding of fish and protect the forest’s biodiversity.
During the closure, the Forest Department, Coast Guard and Naval Police jointly monitored the forest, he said.
Fishing in all rivers and canals of the Sundarbans has been suspended for three months every year since 2019, following recommendations of the Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP). The restrictions also prohibit tourist entry into designated areas and wildlife sanctuaries during the period.