A fire that broke out two days back continues to blaze in the Shapla Bil area of the Sundarbans, with authorities struggling to control its spread.
Despite ongoing efforts, the fire has yet to be fully extinguished, forest officials said.
On Monday, sporadic flames and smokes were still visible across various parts of the forest. Approximately five acres of forest land have already been destroyed, with firefighting operations still underway.
Water is being pumped from the nearby Bhola River, situated about 3 kilometres away, to help control the blaze. But the success of the efforts is heavily dependent on the tide. During the low tide, when the water level drops, firefighting activities come to a temporary halt.
The tidal water from the Bhola River is a vital resource for combating the fire.
Md Abu Bakar Zaman, assistant director of the Khulna Fire Brigade and Civil Defence, explained that pipes have been laid from the Bhola River to pump water for firefighting purposes.
The operation began on Sunday night around 8:30 pm and has continued without interruption. But the effectiveness of this operation depends largely on the tide, with the firefighting process coming to a standstill during low tide.
On Monday morning, at approximately 7 am, water from the Bhola River was again used to contain the fire. Although the fire's intensity has diminished, occasional flames and smoke were still visible. Forty-one personnel from eight fire stations worked through the night on Sunday, and 35 personnel from six stations participated in the operation on Monday.
Zaman said that had a more consistent water source been available, the fire could have been controlled more swiftly. The exact cause of the fire, however, remains unknown.
Dipen Chandra Das, assistant forest conservator of the Chandpai Range in the Sundarbans East Division, mentioned that a 5-kilometre-long fire lane had been cleared in the Shapla Bil area to prevent the fire from spreading further.
However, due to dense vegetation like palm trees and vines, it has not been possible to spray water over the entire 5-kilometre stretch. As of 11 am on Monday, some parts of the fire lane had not yet received water, with firefighting efforts still hindered by the tidal limitations.
Das added that fires in the Sundarbans are particularly difficult to contain, especially when no nearby water sources are available.
The fire is located around 3 kilometres from the Bhola River, making it challenging to reach, while the siltation in the riverbed often causes water shortages. As a result, firefighting teams are entirely reliant on the high tide for water.
Preliminary assessments indicate that about five acres of forest have been consumed by the fire.
Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans East Division, confirmed that firefighting efforts are still ongoing, albeit at a slow pace due to the lack of nearby water sources.
Personnel from the Forest Department, fire stations, Civil Protection Groups (CPGs), Village Forest Management (VTRTs), and local villagers have all been involved in the firefighting operations.
An investigation team, formed after the fire in the Tepper Bil area, has now been tasked with investigating the fire in Shapla Bil.
Karim added that once the investigation report is received, the exact cause of the fire and the damage to the area's biodiversity will be assessed.
It is noteworthy that this fire in Shapla Bil follows another blaze in the Tepper Bil area on Saturday, located in the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division. Flames were first spotted at 7 am, and fire brigade personnel, along with local villagers, managed to extinguish the fire by Sunday afternoon.
The Tepper Bil fire destroyed approximately four acres of forest. An investigation committee has been formed to assess the cause and extent of the damage there.
On Sunday at around 11:30 am, the Forest Department spotted a fire in the dense forest of Shapla Bil, and firefighting operations were immediately launched.
A 5-kilometre fire lane was created to prevent the spread of the fire, with personnel from the Forest Department, Fire Service, CPG, VTRT and local villagers working together to contain the blaze.
As of 11 am on Monday, firefighting operations were still ongoing.
The proximity of these two fires, occurring just one day apart within a 7-kilometre radius, has raised concerns about possible sabotage.
The Forest Department is now considering the possibility of arson.
TH
.png "Halim-&-Firni")
