The trend of deer poaching in the Sundarbans has surged this winter. With most areas of the forest being dry, poachers are laying traps to hunt deer. Despite occasional raids resulting in the seizure of deer meat, heads, skins, and traps, illegal hunting has not stopped.
However, forest officials said, "To combat deer poaching, foot patrollings (patrols on foot) within the forest have been increased. Additionally, awareness programs are being conducted in areas adjacent to the forest."
On January 19, the Forest Department seized 25 kg of deer meat and a deer poaching trap in the East Sundarbans.
Dipon Chandra Das, range officer of Chandpai Range under the Sundarbans East Forest Division stated, "During an operation behind the Jongra Patrol Camp in the dense forest, the poachers fled. 25 kg of deer meat, deer heads and approximately 500 meters of traps were seized from the place."
On January 16, forest officials from the Koyra Kashiyabad Forest Station in Khulna carried out a raid in area of the Sundarbans, confiscating 80 kg of deer meat in three sacks from a boat.
According to the Forest Department, 32 poachers were arrested and 16 cases were filed against them in November and December, 2024. A total of 255 kg of deer meat and 3437 meters of traps were recovered.
Forest officials informed that poachers cleverly take ropes along with fishing nets into the Sundarbans. They set up deer traps inside the forest and place them along the deer's pathways.
A Z M Hasanur Rahman, the Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division explained, "Many areas of the Sundarbans are not flooded during the winter. Poachers take advantage of this by easily entering the forest in boats and hunting when the opportunity arises. To combat this, forest officials have intensified foot patrols within the jungle. Additionally, meetings have been held at the homes of deer poachers to address the issue."
Mihir Kumar Doe, the Conservator of Forest informed that surveillance at the field level has been increased and special patrol teams have been set up in sensitive areas.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
