Sundarbans fire destroys trees on 4-acre land

21 March 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent, Khulna

The fire that broke out Saturday in Chandpai Range of Sundarbans could not be extinguished until 7: 30 pm yesterday. The raging blaze has already burnt down different species of trees like sundari and garan of at least four acres of land in the eastern wing of Sundarbans Forest Division, official sources said. According to Divisional Forest Officer Mihir Kumar, the blaze might have originated from either burning cigarette butts or earthen oven used by Bawalis (wood collectors) or Mouals (honey collectors). Morrelgang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Subrata Kumar Biswas who visited the spot said the fire could not be put out despite repeated efforts by several fire fighting units of Bagerhat and the Navy. As forest areas under Chandpai range remains dry in summer fire spreads easily during the season, said Sheikh Mizanur Rahman, former divisional forest officer of Sundarbans (East Wing). A three-member committee headed by Assistant Conservator of Forest Golam Quddus Bhuiyan has been formed to investigate the fire and asked to submit its report within a week.