Smoke still billowing from Sundarbans

Smoke was still billowing around the burnt out area yesterday, three days into the forest fire that broke out in Tultala area of Chandpai range of the Sundarbans in Sarankhola upazila.

Firefighters along with forest officials were found spraying water to stop the smoke in the area yesterday morning, though the Forest Department (FD) claimed that it has been completely extinguished.

Conservator of Forests (Khulna circle) Mohammad Zahir Uddin Ahmed said the fire was extinguished after hours of hectic efforts by the firefighters, forest officials and locals from Wednesday evening to yesterday noon.

Meanwhile, the FD issued a special alert in Chandpai range following the fourth fire there in four weeks.

The FD took special security measures and temporarily banned all types of permit for general people in Chandpai and Swarankhola ranges, forest resource collection and entry to the forest by fishermen and honey and leaf collectors in Chandpai range.

Those who entered the forest before the notice have been asked leave it as soon as possible. A six-member probe committee was formed to investigate the fire incidents and asked to submit its report by 10 days.