Sundarbans fire yet to be doused

The fire of Nangli patrol post area in Chandpai range of the Sundarbans is under control, but yet to be doused, said the forest department and fire service officials.

Fire service men have cut shallow tunnels through almost five acres of the forest in Madrasar Chhila area near Nangli patrol post to stop the fire from spreading.

Forest department officials along with locals rushed to douse the fire on Friday morning after seeing smoke, said Sundarban east forest division’s forest department officer (DFO) Saidul Islam on Saturday morning.

Three fire fighting units from Bagerhat Sadar, Morelganj, and Sarankhola is working to douse the flames said Bagerhat Fire Service deputy assistant director (DAD) Masudur Rahman Sardar.

From 27 March to 27 April last year, miscreants torched Pochakoralia, Tengra, and Tulatuli area under Dhanshagor station’s Nangli forest camp area of the Sundarbans’ Chadpai range, located in the eastern part of the mangrove forest for four to five times.

Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Sundarbans East Zone M Saidul Islam said a three-member investigation committee led by assistant forest conservator (ACF) Mehedizzamanwill start its investigation on Sunday.

ACF Mehedizzaman said the reason of the fire was not found during primary investigations.

Source: Prothom Alo