Sundarbans: A Tragic Fable

Sundarbans: A Tragic Fable

January 16, 2009, 12:16 AM
Filed under: Nature | Tags: Bangladesh, Bengali, India, Indian forest lands, Indian National Animal, Pride of Bengal, Ramsar wetlands, Royal Bengal Tiger, Salman Rushdie, Suman Das, Sundarbans, UNESCO World Heritage, West Bengal

The Sundarbans (Shundorbon in Bengali) is believed to be the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. Once, it was known as the most “beautiful” forest in Asia. With a vast number of Sundari trees in its abode, it boasted of the highest number of the Indian National Animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

This once beautiful place starts at the birthplace of the great Ganges, and is spread over West Bengal (India), and parts of Bangladesh. With a total area of over 10,000 sq km, it was inscripted as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1997. It was largely known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, unique species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. Once home to about 20,000 Bengal Tigers and over 50,000 spotted deer, it was designated a Ramsar site on 21^st May, 1992. In the early 18^th century, it got the distinction of being the first mangrove forest in the world to be brought under scientific management. In the late 19^th century, it was declared a reserved forest, under the Forest Act, 1865.

In around 1911, it was described as a tract of waste country which had never been surveyed, nor had the census been extended to it. It was a water-logged jungle, in which tigers and other wild beasts abounded. Few attempts were made for reclamation, albeit unsuccessfully. Biotic factors here play a significant role in physical coastal evolution and for wildlife a variety of habitats have developed including beaches, permanent and semi-permanent swamps, tidal flats, tidal creeks, coastal dunes, back dunes, and levees.

A total of 245 genera and 334 plant species were recorded in the Sundarbans in 1903. The Sundarbans provides a unique ecosystem and extensive habitats for wildlife.

Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger, some of the resident species include: the river terrapin, Indian flap-shelled turtle, peacock turtle, yellow monitor, water monitor, and the Indian Python. Some of these species are also protected by the Bangladesh Wildlife Order. Constituting more than 50% of the total reserved forest estate of Bangladesh, it contributes to about 40% of the total forest revenue of the country.

Various non-timber forest products and plantations help generate considerable employment and income generation opportunities for at least half a million of the poor coastal population. The Sundarbans has also been illustrated and widely celebrated in numerous Bengali and English novels, songs, and movies. e.g; Midnight’s Children.

Thanks to the West Bengal Government and its countable attempts to stop poaching, once the home to over 20,000 Royal Bengal Tigers, the Sunderbans now cries out loud only to the remaining 200-odd cats.

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