Sundarbans

Khulna Division:
Khulna division is in the southwest part of Bangladesh has an area of 22274 sq. km and a population of 14.47 million. There are 10 districts and 28 municipalities under Khulna. It has the world’s biggest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans. In Khulna town you can visit Khulna Museum and Zoo.
Tourist Attractions Sundarban :

Sundarban is the world biggest mangrove forest. In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides,local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is approximately 6000 sq. km.

General Information about Sudarban:
FOREST LIMITS :
North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain. have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin Platanista gangeticus is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are knownto occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile Crocodiles paresis in Bangladesh, and that

population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave.It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm.

Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta round-leaf, fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans. This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile,wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes.herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.
Means of Communication :
Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket

presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by roadJourney time: It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.

FAMOUS SPOTS:
The main tourist spots in Sundarban are Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking.
Dublar Char :


Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.
Katka :

Katka is one of Heritage sites in Sunderban. In Katka there is a wooden watching tower of 40 ft. high from where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Sunderban. A beautiful sea beach is there is Katka; you will enjoy while you are walking to go the beach from the watching tower. Verities birds are visible in Katka.
Hiran point :

This is another tourist spot in Sunderban. It is called the world heritage state. You can enjoy the beauty of wild nature and dotted dears walking and running in Hiron point. There are also two other Heritage side in Sunderban; one is Kochikhali and the other is Mandarbaria where you will find dears and birds. If you are lucky you can see the Great Royal Bengal Tiger, but for sure you can at least see the stepping of Great Royal Bengal Tiger here and there in these spotsKaramjol is a forest station for the Rangers. Here you can see a dear breeding center. To visit Sunderban you need to go there with a guide and it is even better if you go there with a group. You can stay two/three days in Sunderban depending on your desire and requirements. One-day tour is not enough for Sundarban as you will not be able to see the nature in haste. For one-day tour you can go up to Karamjol and at a glance visit the outer portion of Sunderban forest areas. In your Sunderban tour

you will be able to see a lots of verities birds (a heaven for the bird watchers), can watch the fishing in the river by the fishermen, if you wish you can ask your tour operator to give a stopover in the fishermen villages to watch their lifestyle, see lots of animals like monkeys, various types Dears, foxes.Crocodiles, Snakes and if you are lucky person you will be able to see the greatest mystery of Sunderban –The Royal Bengal Tiger. Sunderban is one of main sources to collect pure honey. You should not forget tobuy some pure honey. Another inexpressible and unforgettable beauty you can enjoy if you can match your timing of tour in full moon. In the full moon the nights in Sunderban could be one of the most memorable nights for your whole life.
Climate

Climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The annual rainfall average between 65" and 70". During ebb tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide

(30 miles and hour) the entire territory of the forest floats on water.
Life in Forest:
Only means of transportation inside the forest is boat. There is no road, no trail of a path anywhere. The woodcutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals others live on boats. In the chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen living with families on boats catching fish with the help of trained offers. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest where fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months mid Oct. to mid Feb. to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting of all activities is presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months April-May and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.
Flora and Fauna:
The Sundarbans is endowed by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a wonderful place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there are a wide variety of wildlife for which the Sundarbans is so famous.
Visit to the Forest:


Permission from the Division Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful

Tourist season & Shooting:
Best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey collection season is during April-May. Hunting is prohibited by law in the country for the preservation of wildlife. Certain species of birds, however, can be shot with prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna.N.B: Special notes to the tourist to remember again - do not go in side of the forest without your guide and proper securities while your are in Sunderban.Mongla:It is the second largest seaport of Bangladesh.In Bangladesh Economy Mongla Port plays a vital role. There are a good number of prawn hatcheries in Mongla.

Shat Gambuj Mosque
In mid-15th century, a Muslim colony was founded in the inhospitable mangrove forest of the Sundarbans near the seacoast in the Bagerhat district by an obscure saint-General, named Ulugh Khan Jahan. He was the earliest torch bearer of Islam in the South who laid the nucleus of an affluent city during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah (1442-59), then known as 'Khalifalabad' (present Bagerhat). Khan Jahan aborned his city with numerous mosques, tanks, roads and other public buildings, the spectacular ruins of which are focused around the most imposing and largest

multidomed mosques in Bangladesh, known as the Shait-Gumbad Masjid (160'X108'). The stately fabric of the monument, serene and imposing, stands on the eastern bank of an unusually vast sweet-water tank, clustered around by the heavy foliage of a low-laying countryside, characteristic of a sea-coast landscape. So in the year 1459 the great Azam Ulugh Khan Jahan established this mosque, which called Shat Gambuj Mosjid. In Bengali

Shat means the number 60. Though it is called Shat Gambuj Mosjid, actually the numbers of Gamboj in the mosque are 81. The mosque roofed over with 77 squat domes, including 7 chauchala or four-sided pitched Bengali domes in the middle row. The vast prayer hall, although provided with 11 arched doorways on east and 7 each on north and south for ventilation and light, presents a dark and somber appearance inside. It is divided into 7 longitudinal aisles and 11 deep bays by a forest of slender stone columns, from which springs rows of endless arches, supporting the domes. Six feet thick, slightly tapering walls and hollow and round, almost detached cornertowers, resembling the bastions of fortress, each capped by small rounded cupolas, recall the Tughlaq architecture of Delhi.The general appearance of this noble monument with its stark simplicity but massive character reflects the strength and simplicity of the builder. This mosque is 160 ft long and 108 ft. in its width. This is one of the most beautiful archeological and historical Mosque in Bangladesh made by red burn mud.
Shrine of Hajrat Khan Jahan Ali :

Besides the Shat Gambuj Mosque, shrine of Hajrat Khan Jahan Ali is only 3 km ahead. You can go there by rickshaw a three wheeled peddler. A great number of tourist goes the shrine to pray for this great man Hajrat Khan Jahan Ali. From this shrine a steamer goes to the Thakur Dighi where you will find the ancient crocodiles in this Dighi. Dighi is a local name of larger pond Besides this Dighi a Nine Gambuj Mosque is an attraction also for the tourists.Shagordari JessoreThis is another tourist spot, which is in Jessore district, under Khulna Division. Sagordari is famous for the residence of Great poet Michael Modhusudon Datta, famous for his wonderful composition of sonnets. He was born in the year 1824 and died in 1873. This two-storied residence, which is known as Michel Modhusudon museum, is now under the custody of Bangladesh Archeological Department, where you can see the daily usage materials of the great poet. Every year from 25-30 January a great mela (exhibition) is organized here, which is called Modhumela need after our beloved poet. A huge crowd comes to Shagordari every year for the occasion of this mela.


A Tourist spot:

In the south-western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, the beautiful forest. It is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavour and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy, while nearer the ground, works of high and ebb-tide marked on the soil and tree trunks and the many varieties of the natural mangrove forest have much to offer to an inquisitive visitor.Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger

swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the river banks. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous

monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave.The Sundarbans is a cluster of islands with an approximate area of 6000 sq. km. forming the largest block of littoral forests. It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habital of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds.

Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta round-leaf, fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes, herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for theordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

General Information

AREA

Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.

Journey time
It varies depending on tides against or in favour in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.Accommodation Inside the forest
Hiron Point :

Comfortable three-storied Rest-House of the Mongla Port Authority. Prior booking is to be made.

Katka :

Forest Department Rest-House located here. Prior booking essential.Journey by Rocket Steamer to Mongla and KhulnaMinimum Journey time is 22 Hours for Mongla and 24 Hours for Khulna from Dhaka

Entry Permission
Prior permission must be obtained through written application from the Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Road, Khulna Phone 20665, 211731 to visit the Sundarbans. Required entrance fees for visitors, vessel or boat payable at the relevant forest station/range office.Fee for Commercial PhotographyMovie Tk. 5,000.00 per role exposedVideo Tk. 4,000.00 per CassetteStill Tk. 1,000.00 per role exposed

Guided Tours

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, National Tourism Organization offers all-inclusive guided package fours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season October to March. Group size Minimum 12 pax.For rates and booking please contact:Manager Tours, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, 233, Airport Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1212, Phone: 817855-59, Fax : 880-2-817235.
Life in Forest
Only means of transportation inside the forest is boat. There is no road, no trail of a path anywhere. The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals others live on boats. In the chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen living with families on boats catching fish with the help of trained offers. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest where fishermen from Chittagong gather.for four months mid Oct. to mid Feb. to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting of all activities is presented by the
honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.Flora and FaunaThe Sundarbans is endowed by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a wonderful place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there are a wide variety of wildlife for which the Sundarbans is so famous.
Visit to the Forest

Permission from the Division Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful.

Khulna
Khulna is the third biggest industrial city of the country. It is a divisional headquarter which


serves as a gateway to the seaport

of mongla and the Sundarbans. Khulna is also famous for shrimp processing and newsprint




Bagerhat

This little town is 40 km. south-east of khulna on the northern

fringes of the Sundarbans. It is a district headquarters, Bagerhat is famous for Shait-gumbad mosque





60-domed built in 1459 and shrine of the Muslim mystic Khan Jahan Ali.

Mongla

Mongla is the second seaport of the country and gateway to the Sundarbans. It lies 38 km. to the south of Khulna. The port authority has got motor launches to go to the forest.Tourist season & ShootingBest time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey collection season is during April-May. Hunting is prohibited by law in the country for the preservation of wildlife. Certain species of birds, however, can be shot with prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna,Phone : 20665 & 21173

The Sundarban :
Sundarban is the world biggest mangrove forest. In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is approximately 6000 sq. km.


MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.The Sundarbans are the largest

littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forest aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain.The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water.Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fishand over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile Crocodiles paresis in Bangladesh, and that

population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.
Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all craveIt's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of
beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes,herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.Means of Communication:

Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.
Journey time:
It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point of kataka.

FAMOUS SPOTS:
The main tourist spots in Sundarban are Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali, Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking. Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.
General Information:
State : West Bengal in the eastern part of India.Location : Piyali, West BengalTotal Area : 1330 Sq kmCoverage Area : 1330.10 Sq.kmEstablished : 1973 as a tiger reserve, 1978 as a national park.World Heritage : 1971Nearest town: Gosaba (50 km)Best Time : September to MayClimate : Rainfall is heavy and humidity high (80% on average) due to the proximity of the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon usually lasts from mid-June until mid-September, after which fair weather prevails until mid-March. Mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures recorded are 34 degC and 20 degC, respectively. Storms are very common in May and October-November, sometimes developing into cyclones which are usually accompanied by tidal waves and cause much loss of life and damage to property and the forestsNearest Access : Gosaba (50.km)Main Attractions : Tigers, Chital Deer, Oliver Ridley Sea Turtle, King Cobra, etcTravel Tips : Know about the place well before you start your trip. For Foreigners certain permits are required to visit the Tiger Projects & Sajnekhali. Contact the Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Kolkata for the same. Collect the permit for a visit to other areas of the Sundarbans from the Field Director, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

Contact:

Field Director,Sundarbans Tiger Reserve,P.O Canning,District 24 Parganas (South),West Bengal.Mobile: 911855280Telefax: 03218-55280E-mail : Contact Us
Sundarban:Biggest Mangrove Forest In BangladeshIn the south-western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, the beautiful forest. It is a virgin forest which until recently owed nothing to human endeavour and yet nature has laid it out with as much care as a planned pleasure ground. For miles and miles, the lofty treetops form an unbroken canopy, while nearer the ground,works of high and ebb-tide marked on the soil and tree trunks and the many varieties of the natural mangrove forest have much to offer to an inquisitive visitor.The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world(140,000 ha). The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are

found in Sundarbans in large numbers. The forest lies at the feet of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta. The forest covers 10,000 km2 of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh.In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third s covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin Platanista gangeticus is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur.Please Vote For Sundarban Forest in http://www.7wonders.com/

Sundarbans

The Sundarbans Bengali: Shundorbôn is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.[1] The name Sundarban can be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language Sundar, "beautiful" and ban, "forest" or "jungle". The name may have been derived from the Sundari trees that are found in Sundarbans in large numbers. Alternatively, it has been proposed that the name is a corruption of Samudraban Bengali: Shomudrobôn "Sea Forest" or Chandra-bandhe name of a primitive tribe. But the generally accepted view is the one associated with Sundari trees.[1]The forest lies at the feet of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengel, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta. The seasonally-flooded Sundarbaon freshwater swamp forests lie inland from the mangrove forests. The forest covers 10,000 km2 of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh.[2] It became inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, but while the Bangladeshi and Indian portions constitute the same continuous ecotope, these are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park, respectively. The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris, as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. It is estimated that there are now 500[3] Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

Sundarbans was designated a Ramsar site on May21, 1992. The fertile soils of the delta have been subject to intensive human use for centuries, and the ecoregion has been mostly converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves of forest remaining. The remaining forests, together with the Sundarbans mangroves, are important habitat for the endangered tiger. Additionally, the Sundarbans serves a crucial function as a protective flood barrier for the millions of inhabitants in and around Kolkata Calcutta against the result of cyclone activity.
History

The history of the area can be traced back to 200–300 AD. A ruin of a city built by Chand Sadagar has been found in the Baghmara Forest Block. During the Mughal period, local kings leased the forests of the Sundarbans to residents. In this period, Raja Basanta Rai and his nephew took refuge in the Sundarbans from the advancing armies of Emperor Akbar.[4] Many of the buildings which were built by them later fell to hands of Portuguese pirates, salt smugglers and dacoits in the 17th century. Evidence of the fact can be traced from the ruins at Netidhopani and other places scattered all over Sundarbans.[5] The legal status of the forests underwent a series of changes, including the distinction of being the first mangrove forest in the world to be brought under scientific management. The area was mapped by the Surveyor General as early as 1764 following soon after proprietary rights were obtained from the M Eughalmperor Alamgir II by the East India Company in 1757. Systematic management of this forest tract started in the 1860s after the establishment of a Forest Department in the Province of Bengel, in India.[6]The first Forest Management Division to have jurisdiction over the Sundarbans was established in 1869. The Sundarbans was declared a reserved forest in 1875–76, under the Forest Act, 1865 (Act VIII of 1865). The first management plan was written for the period 1893–98.[7][8] In 1875 a large portion of the mangrove forests was declared as reserved forests under the Forest Act, 1865 (Act VIII of 1865). The remaining portions of forests was declared as reserve forest the following year and the forest, which was so far was administered by the civil administration district, was placed under the control of the Forest Department. A Forest Division, which is the basic forest management and administration unit, was created in 1879 with the headquarter in Khulna.In 1911, it was described as a tract of waste country which had never been surveyed, nor had the census been extended to it. It

then stretched for about 165 miles (266 km) from the mouth of the Hugli to the mouth of the Meghna and was bordered inland by the three settled districts of the 24 Parganas, Khulna and Backergunje. The total area including water was estimated at 6,526 square miles (16,902 km2). It was a water-logged jungle, in which tigers and other wild beasts abounded. Attempts at reclamation had not been very successful. The characteristic tree was the sundari Heritiera littoralis, from which the name of the tract had probably been derived. It yields a hard wood, used for building, and for making boats, furniture, etc. The Sundarbans were everywhere intersected by river channels and creeks, some of which afforded water communication between Calcutta and the Brahmaputr Valley, both for steamers and for native boats.
Sanctuaries in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans is estimated to be about 4,110 km², of which about 1,700 km² is occupied by waterbodies in the forms of river, canals and creeks of width varying from a few meters to several kilometers. The interconnected network of waterways makes almost every corner of the forest accessible by boat. The forest lies under two forest divisions, and four administrative ranges viz Chandpai, Sarankhola, Khulna, and Burigoalini,Satkhira and has sixteen forest stations. It is further divided into fifty-five compartments and nine blocks.[1]A new Khulna Forest Circle to preserve the forest was created in 1993 and a Conservator of Forests has been posted. The direct administrative head of the Division is the Divisional Forest Officer who is also based at Khulna. The Divisional Forest Officer has a number of professional, subprofesional and support staff and logistic supports for the implementation of necessary management and administrative activities. The basic unit of management is the compartment. There are 55 compartments in four Forest Ranges and these are clearly demarcated mainly by natural features such as rives, canals and creeks.There are three wildlife sanctuaries established in 1977 under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Order, 1973 (P.O. 23 of 1973). These are:

Sundarban Social Development Centre
was formed in 1986 after the occurrence of massive flood devastated entire Patharpratima and MandirBazar Blocks apart from adjoining areas. During that disaster situation some large-hearted magnanimous youth with their own inherent leadership rushed to the flood victims and carried out rescue & relief operation as much as they could. Later these sympathetic people felt the need of organized effort to decide and act in both disaster time and in normalcy for community development, thus they came under a common umbrella to form an organization and achieve desired goal. The organization officially got registration in the year 1989-90 under West Bengal Society Registration Act 1961.In the beginning, the organization started with some welfare activities on ad hock basis and was done through charity mode only in three villages of Patharpratima Block. Gradually SSDC realized that, the way it was functioning not the proper approach to make sustainable changes in people’s life. The persons involved directly or indirectly with the organization had gone through self-evaluation process and comprehended the concept of people oriented development process. SSDC took up the policy to initiate actions for community development ensuring people’s involvement and participation of other institutions like local self Government, youth association, external support agencies and others.In fact, up to 1995 the approach of SSDC was that of welfare and complete service delivery and the year 1995 marked as the beginning of a new era as it saw the expansion of education programmes and also for the first time concepts of women’s rights and child rights gained ground. This was followed by the initiation of work with youth groups that enabled the creation of a critical mass base and gradually with the expansion of this mass base the programmes of SSDC gained the colour of movement and pace. The organization’s role in ensuring child and women’s rights was appreciated and awarded by the ‘Eastern Regional Children Welfare Society’ in 1996, which marked the opening of new avenues. Thus, the period between the years 1995-2000 was the transition phase of SSDC’s approach towards development and shifted from the Service Mode of Approach to that of Rights Based. During 1999-2000 there was paradigm shift in organizational approach as it initiated efforts to establish strong linkage with the government departments, namely Health, Education and Rural Development. That period onwards it received affiliation as a nodal agency as Panchayati Raj Training Institute. Its active initiatives for networking and advocacy produced positive results in forming MandirBazar Block Education Network comprising CBOs, individuals and NGOs to ensure child rights. Efforts initiated in forming Village Development Committees in 2000 onwards, which occupy a place of central importance vis-à-vis all the developmental initiatives in the villages.2001 onwards, an additional focus of the Organization was to address the issue of under employment and unemployment by opening avenues of through imparting vocational training in the area of sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, electrician, carpentry, cycle van repairing and handicrafts. While working down the years, SSDC found out that due to unsustainable livelihood and food insecurity prevailing in the area, there has also been increasing cases of Child Labour and Child Trafficking apart from Child Marriages prevailing in the area. SSDC started addressing these issues through Networking and Advocacy, especially for eradication of Child Trafficking.
Surface water plant

This is a high time to introduce of proposed most important place of the world like- “SUNDARBAN” This Sundarban region are very famish for big size of royal Bengal tiger, very cruel and most long crocodile, beautiful dear, the world’s largest mangrove forests with “sundary” trees, etc. Sundarban area is known as remote rural area in the district of South 24 Parganas of West Bengal in India. This district is counted among the backward and geographically disadvantageous district of West Bengal. Very crisis of the safe deinking water, sorters of ground water, saline of surfers and river water, acute poverty, poor health management and sanitation practices, gender discrimination, inadequate transport facilities are the main constraints in this region. It is a deltaic region and people in Sundarban suffer badly every year due to its typical geographical condition and frequent natural calamities like flood, cyclone and erosion of soil- this situation leads to poor economic condition. Side by side maximum areas of this district are water-lodging areas. The district consists of 29 development blocks, out of which Pathar Pratima is one of the block, This block has already declared as the most backward area in this district due to poverty, limited livelihood options and ignorance of Government services. Lack of access to potable water and sanitary disposal of human excreta are very common. Sanitation disposal’s contamination rate is very high because maximum areas are low land and water lodging areas. As available surface and underground water is saline, the cost of installing hand pump is very high. Currently women travel very long for collecting drinking water and use pond water for other purposes. As this is a remote region and often people need to travel by boat or cycle van, it becomes difficult for people while approaching any health centre. The islands of Sunderbans are inaccessible except by the canals and waterways. There is an acute shortage of safe and adequate drinking water. Due to its proximity to the sea, river water as well as the ponds, remains saline throughout the year. In the absence of water sources near their homes, most families resort to ponds for washing clothes and utensils, bathing and other domestic purposes. Communicable and water borne diseases are rampant in the area. People do try to collect their drinking water from tube wells, but even these are placed so far apart, that women have to walk great distances often more than a kilometre to collect water. Moreover, the tube wells do not function as per Government regulations; they either produce less water or serve more people than the required parameters; most of the tube wells of the area, are subject to both these disadvantages. In this situation we has been Woking last 20 years for more research and innovation experimental work above on saline of pond and river water to convert the safe use of drinking and domestic water. This year like 2010 we has been developing three deferent type of surfers water treatment plant like sand filter, PHE-6 hand pump with pond water treatment plant for domestic use, second type is Hume pipe, Napal pump with pond water treatment plant experiment is ongoing and another is sand filter with Tiwone filter and force lift pump Tower Modal for community use. Other hand we are trying to promote of deferent type of rain water treatment plant for school and community use purpose. Our most important technology is Umbrella Modal for the flood areas of rain water to use the domestic purpose. If you are interest to rear the all type of rain water and surfers water technology just like visit and contact with our Organization and WASH peorgamme.

Operational Area

Presently SSDC is working in six blocks of South 24 Parganas district namely, Magrahat-I, Mathurapur-II, Kakdweep, Patharpratima and Kulpi. Out of these six blocks Patharpratima is the most remote, inaccessible and backward one in the region. People lacking education & awareness, they don’t have access to civic amenities & Govt. facilities, limited livelihood options present in the area & people can’t find alternative avenues for earning, the inhabitants have least information about the outer world and no support service is exiting for bettering their life status. Total 300 villages with 1 one million population covered under SSDC projects.
Proposed Nuclear Power Plant at Sundarbans, West BengalDear Sir, We strongly oppose the West Bengal Government's proposal to set up a nuclear power plant in the State of West Bengal. Any nuclear plant would be hazardous and harmful to the health of the people of the State. The adverse effect that such a plant will have on the health of the people will be irreversible and of very severe consequence.From the news published in different newspapers, including Aajkal, Ananda Bazar, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and Pratidin as also from publications in various other media, it appears that in response to the proposal of National Power Commission, the West Bengal Government has agreed to allot land and provide other facilities for installation of a nuclear power plant in our State. It also appears that for the aforesaid purpose, a high powered committee has been formed comprising, (1) Shri Subimal Sen - Secretary, Science and Technology Department; (2) Shri Ram Sevak Bandopadhyay - Power Secretary, Government of West Bengal; (3) Shri G.D. Gautam -- Chairman, West Bengal State electricity Board; (4) Shri Bijon Paul - Managing Director, West Bengal Power Development Corporation; (5) Shri Manish Gupta - Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal. So far as we have been able to ascertain, the designated job of the said committee will be to select an appropriate site for installation of the proposed nuclear power plant. We have also come to know that the said committee has already selected the Sundarban area in the South 24 Parganas of the district of West Bengal as the appropriate site for such nuclear power plant. We have also come to know that the said committee has written to the District Magistrates of the other districts of West Bengal requesting for information regarding an appropriate site for installation of the proposed nuclear plant. However, such requests appear to be mere formality since the Sundarban area has already been selected as the appropriate site for installation of the nuclear power plant mentioned here in above. We are extremely worried and concerned about the aforesaid proposed installation of nuclear plant in the Sundarban area, for, inter alia, the following reasons: i) Installation of such a nuclear power plant would have extreme adverse effects on the environment of that area and will severely affect the natural surroundings and the health of the people residing in or in the vicinity thereof. ii) Installation of such a nuclear plant will have serious adverse effects on the ecology of that area and will also severely jeopardize the consolidated effort of preserving greenery and preventing deforestation in and around that area.If the Government of West Bengal allows the installation of the proposed nuclear plant in the Sundarban area, the natural environment of that area will be destroyed by reason of the adverse toxic efforts of the nuclear plant. Further, in due course of time, other parts of the State including the city of Calcutta will be affected by toxic nuclear reactions.It may be noted that a well-known environmentally conscious newspaper, The Hindustan, published from Calcutta in West Bengal, in its edition dated 27 April 2000 has strongly opposed the proposal of setting up of the nuclear plant in the State. Having learnt of the aforesaid proposal regarding setting up of the said nuclear plant in the Sundarban area,

some of the intelligentsia of the State including Shri Sankar Sen, the former Minister of State for power, Smt. Malini Bhattachargee, former M.P., Shri Amiya Bagchi, Economist, and others have recorded their protest to the aforesaid nuclear scheme by way of a written representation dated 27 April, 2000.The grounds, on which we oppose installation of nuclear plant, are, inter alia, as follows: 1. The underground water of the concerned place would be polluted. 2. Nuclear power plant has been proved to be extremely costly and unsafe to human health. 3. Environmental balance in and around the nuclear plant will be affected and destruction of life is very likely. 4. The accidents at Chernobil, Ukraine, USSR where more than 6 lakhs people were affected with deadly diseases including cancer, thrombosis and loss of protection power of the body due to radioactive ray. 5. In Japan, due to the worst nuclear accident in last September 1999, numerous people were exposed to radiation and died. The Japanese city of Shinora was exposed to an estimated 10 (ten) sieverts of radiation which is 10,000 times more than the maximum permissible exposure in Japan.Till now no country in the world has been successful in safe and careful preservation of nuclear waste. Radioactive elements have very

bad effect on human health including adverse effects on digestion, blood circulation, gastric functions and other important functions of the human body.We are of the firm belief that there is no requirement for installation of any nuclear power plant in the Sundarban area or any other area of West Bengal and any such installation will not have any beneficial effect on the State or on the inhabitants of the State. On the contrary, any such installation of nuclear power plant will cause unnecessary health hazards and problems to the people of West Bengal.In view of the aforesaid, we strongly protest against the setting up of any nuclear power plant in the Sundarbans area or anywhere in the State of West Bengal. This is not only for your information, but also we would request you to kindly intervene in his matter at the earliest. Your valued opinion in this respect is solicited. A seminar will be held on 8th July 2000. Expecting best wishes from your end.-- Achintya Kr. Bose, Secretary, East Calcutta APDR

Sundarban

Sundarban is the world biggest mangrove forest. In Bangladesh tourism, Sundarban plays the most vital role. A large number of foreigners come to Bangladesh every year only to visit this unique mangrove forest. Besides, local tourists also go to visit Sundarban every year. The area of great Sundarban is approximately 6000 sq. km. General Information about Sudarban: AREA: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km. FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India. MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty.The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though; they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles, which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third s covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodiles paresis) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land

provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave. It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans. This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes,herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed. Means of Communication: Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speedboats, country boats as well as mechanized vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and nightlong coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road. Journey time: It varies depending on tides against or in favor in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka. FAMOUS SPOTS: The main tourist spots in Sundarban are Karamjol, Katka, Kochikhali,

Hiron point and Mandarbaria. Hiron Point Nilkamal for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provides opportunities for wild tracking. Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

1 comment:

  1. Great article and some beautiful photos!

    Here is another interesting read for the travelers going to Sundarbans: 08 Best things to do in Sundarbans

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