New fires erupted in at least three spots in the Sundarbans on Sunday morning, about an hour after another major fire was brought under control about a kilometre to the south-east.
At 9am, a major fire was reported in the Gulishakhali area of the world’s largest mangrove forest and later in two other areas.
Earlier in the morning, the Forest Department, with support from local volunteers, managed to douse 90% of the flames in another section of the Sundarbans after about 24 hours of efforts.
Local Forest Officer Kazi Muhammad Nurul Karim and Sharankhola Fire Service Station Officer Aftabi Alam confirmed the improvement in firefighting efforts.
A three-member probe committee, led by Chadpai Range Assistant Conservator of Forest Dwipon Chandra Das, has been tasked with submitting a report within seven working days to reveal the cause behind Saturday’s fire, and the future remedial measures.
On Saturday morning, the first fire erupted near Kolomteji Camp in Dhansagar forest station of the Sundarbans East Division.
Due to water shortage, the Forest Department’s firefighting efforts were weak initially. In the noon, the locals, and later in the afternoon, five units of the fire service joined the efforts. In the evening, the fire service left, leaving it to the Forest Department and local volunteers to continue the fight throughout the night.
On Sunday morning, three units of fire service went to the spot to help douse the remaining flames.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
