Sundarbans Closes to Tourists for Three Months to Protect Wildlife and Ecosystem

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, has been officially closed to all human activity for three months, from June 1 to August 31, as part of an annual conservation effort led by the West Bengal Forest Department .

Now in its third consecutive year, the seasonal closure begins earlier than previous years—starting in June instead of July—to better support the breeding cycles of both aquatic and terrestrial species. The restriction includes a complete halt to tourism, fishing, and any other human interference within the forest areas.

“If we can keep the forest quiet during this period, it will significantly enhance breeding activities, especially for aquatic species. If the ban is effectively implemented, the fish population and overall wildlife in the forest will thrive,” said Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division.

A Strategic Move for Conservation

The revised timeline for the ban aligns with recommendations under the Integrated Resources Management Plan (IRMP), which advocates for uninterrupted breeding conditions during critical months. The goal is to provide a safe and undisturbed environment for wildlife regeneration across this ecologically sensitive region.

To ensure compliance, forest patrols will be intensified throughout the closure period to deter intrusion, poaching, or any illegal activity in protected areas.

Ecological Significance of the Sundarbans

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans spans over 10,000 square kilometres across eastern India’s West Bengal and southern Bangladesh. Crisscrossed by a complex network of tidal rivers, creeks, and mudflats, the forest acts as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and cyclones, while also serving as a vital carbon sink.

This biologically rich region supports:

• The Royal Bengal Tiger
  
  
• Estuarine crocodiles
  
  
• Spotted deer

A vast array of bird species

Additionally, it is home to 219 known aquatic species and numerous terrestrial animals, many of which depend on the June–July period for breeding. Seasonal restrictions like this one are considered critical for natural regeneration, as they help maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods

While the forest plays a crucial role in conservation, it also sustains local communities through activities such as fishing and honey collection. The temporary ban, though restrictive, is viewed as a necessary measure to preserve the forest’s long-term viability and the species that inhabit it.

By enforcing this annual closure, the Forest Department aims to ensure that the Sundarbans continues to serve as a thriving habitat for wildlife and a lifeline for local communities well into the future.