Mongla, July 20 (V7N) – The Forest Department confiscated poison, fish, fishing nets, and boats during a raid in a canal inside the Sundarbans on Sunday morning. The operation took place at Hular Barani Canal under the Chandpai Range of the East Sundarbans division.
 
According to Surajit Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge of Dhangmari Station, based on a secret tip-off, officials from Dhangmari Station and Ghagramari Camp conducted the raid around 7 a.m. When the poachers sensed the presence of the officers, they fled deeper into the forest. During the subsequent search, the team seized three dinghy boats abandoned by the poachers, two bottles of poison (pesticide) found in the boats, 140 kilograms of shrimp caught using poison, one tuna fishing net, and two boat paddles.
 
Chowdhury added that although the poison poachers escaped, they have been identified. Seven individuals have been filed against under the Forest Act. The confiscated fish have been destroyed to prevent further illegal trade.
 
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to diverse wildlife and aquatic species. Poison fishing severely threatens the delicate ecosystem and biodiversity of the area, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to combat illegal fishing practices.
 
This recent operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by forest authorities in protecting the Sundarbans from environmental crimes and ensuring the sustainability of its natural resources.
 
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