Patrol teams from the Forest Department detected a fire in the Kalam Teji area, within the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, on Saturday.
Upon receiving the alert, the Divisional Forest Officer, the Chandpai Range Officer, and the Assistant Conservator of Forests swiftly arrived at the scene.
Firefighting operations were immediately launched with support from Forest Department personnel, the Village Conservation Forum, the Village Tiger Response Team, the Community Patrol Group, and over a hundred volunteers. A fire line has been established around the affected area to prevent further spread.
Given the fire’s location—approximately three kilometers inland from the nearest river or canal—direct water access remains a challenge. However, the fire is currently confined to the forest floor, without reaching the upper canopy.
The Forest Department’s fire engine can pump water up to one kilometer, while additional support from the Fire Service is helping transport water to the site. This operation has already seen positive results.
With the combined efforts of all involved, the Forest Department anticipates that the fire will be fully under control by tonight.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry, along with senior officials from both the Ministry and the Forest Department, are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.