Deer poaching, smuggling, and fishing with poison in the Sundarbans have declined significantly this year, according to the Forest Department. The department has stepped up its efforts with smart patrols and drone-based surveillance to combat these illegal activities.
Increased Enforcement and Surveillance
From June to August this year, the Forest Department conducted 3,214 drives in the Sundarbans, resulting in four cases being filed over forest-related offenses. These drives led to the seizure of 13 boats, six fishing nets, 32 bottles, two liters of liquid, and three packets of poison. Additionally, 151.5 kg of poison-contaminated shrimp, 5 kg of fish, and two sacks of dried fish were recovered.
In comparison, during the same period last year, the department's efforts resulted in five arrests and eight cases. They seized 27 boats, 21 nets, 52 bottles, and five liters of poison, and recovered 245 kg of poisoned fish, 145 kg of poisoned shrimp, 177 kg of white fish, and 22 sacks of dried fish.
Decline in Deer Poaching
Deer poaching has also seen a decline. From March to August this year, six cases were filed and nine people were arrested. No deer meat, hide, or carcass was recovered. Authorities seized two boats and three trawlers, along with various traps totaling 14,381 feet of mala traps, 110 chhitka traps, 46 feet of hata traps, and 69 dowa traps.
In contrast, during the corresponding period last year, 20 cases were filed and 12 hunters were arrested. Officials recovered 156.5 kg of deer meat, five heads, eight legs, two hides, and two dead deer. They also seized nine boats, six trawlers, and large quantities of traps.
Khulna Conservator of Forest Imran Ahmed attributed the decline to the department's proactive, technology-based approach. 'We have intensified special drives and smart patrols in remote forest areas while conducting close aerial surveillance using drones. As a result, activities of deer poachers and syndicates involved in poison fishing have largely been brought under control,' he said.
