A three-month closure of the Sundarbans has reduced human pressure and increased wildlife movement and fish stocks in rivers and canals, according to the Forest Department. Entry, fishing, crab collection, honey gathering and tourism were suspended from June 1 to August 31 to protect fish and wildlife breeding. These activities are set to resume on Tuesday, September 1.

During the closure, the Forest Department conducted 63 operations, filed 39 forest-crime cases and detained 37 people. Officials seized 12 trawlers, 50 boats, 55 fishing nets, liquid poison, 6,290 deer-hunting traps, poisoned fish, crabs, honey and other items. The department said forest crime declined compared with the same closure period last year.

Bagerhat Sundarbans East Divisional Forest Officer Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said reduced movement, tourism and noise pollution helped restore natural conditions in deeper forest areas. The department said it is using smart patrols, drones and special operations for surveillance. It will issue valid passes and strengthen monitoring of vessel movement and entry as fishers, wood collectors, honey collectors and tourists return.