The New Nation - Internet Edition

RESTORATION of the Sundarbans based on assessment of damage caused by cyclone Sidr is underway. Plants and animals of the forest suffered devastation in last November's cyclone Sidr. The forest absorbed much of the rage of the cyclone. About 26.5 percent of the Sundarbans was damaged completely and a large area of it partially. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a heritage site for mankind, is spread over an area of 41,14,000 hectares and is the safe abode of 425 species of trees, herbs and creepers and 246 species of animals including spotted deer, estuarine crocodiles and the world famous Royal Bengal Tigers. This forest is known all over the world for its unique biodiversity. The economic contribution of the Sundarbans is immense. It is also an important tourist attraction. The Sundarbans serves as a barrier to natural calamities.

The government is going to take up a strategic programme for the restoration of the Sundarbans. Experts have suggested some mid-term and long-term priorities including study of the natural regeneration process, impact of Sidr on the Sundarbans ecosystem and climate change effects. The rehabilitation programme would reportedly consist of immediate employment opportunities for the affected people, coastal areas plantation and education campaign. Without alternative employment, the affected people will exert stress on the forest and cause further damage to it. Awareness of the people is very important. Without their active participation, restoration of the forest may remain unachieved. Reclamation of the fresh water ponds inside the forest would complement the regeneration process. Immediately after the cyclone, experts had suggested natural regeneration of the forest for which the forest should be left undisturbed. Even the trees that had fallen to the ground under the impact of the cyclone may better not be removed.