Nylon net-fence along Sundarbans to stop man-tiger conflicts

Nylon fence along the Sundarbans to prevent man-animal conflicts. UNB_11zon

The government putting up a nylon net fence along  60-km border of the Sundarbans to reduce the fear of tigers attack among people living in villages near the forests.

Tigers and other wild animals often enter the localities, and villagers find it difficult to drive those away. Such man-animal conflict lead to casualties on both sides every year. 

The problem has become as siltation has filled up rivers and canals, making the wild animals to easily leave the forest and enter nearby villages. Similarly, villagers and their livestock frequently enter the Sundarbans.

This marks the first instance of fencing being made in the Bangladeshi part of the Sundarbans.

According to the sources at the Forest Department, once the fencing is completed, tigers, deer, wild boars and other animals will no longer be able to enter human settlements and similarly, livestock from villages will not stray in the forest.

The fencing will also restrict unauthorized human entry into the Sundarbans.

Villagers living near the Sundarbans said that tigers often invade their villages, causing sleepless nights of fear. The announcement of the fencing has begun to ease their anxiety.

Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs) Deepen Chandra Das of Chandpai Range and Rana Deb of Sharankhola Range highlighted the importance of fencing’s in preserving biodiversity and reducing fears of tiger-attacks among villagers.

Efforts are also being made to make local communities aware about protecting the fence. They urged the government to provide financial incentives for volunteer conservation groups such as the Community Patrol Group, Village Tiger Response Team and Dolphin Conservation Team.

Dr. Anwarul Islam, CEO of WildTeam and wildlife conservation expert, stressed that the fence will prevent tigers from straying into human settlements and also create pressure on local communities.

He emphasised the need to raise awareness among villagers and establish a social security system to protect the fence. Maintenance of the fencing is crucial, he said.

Daily monitoring is required and the Forest Department must take strict action against causing damage to the fence, he said. He recommended offering incentives for forest staff to ensure their dedication to conservation efforts. - UNB