Kolkata, 29 July (H.S.): The West Bengal government has begun the process of restoring mangrove forests on 1,600 hectares of forest land in the Sundarbans that has been freed from alleged illegal encroachment.

The Forest Department has completed the identification of illegal fish bheris, or brackish-water fish farms, which were allegedly created by destroying mangrove forests during the previous government’s tenure.

State Forest Minister Manoj Kumar Oraon had earlier this month directed the department to identify and demolish all such illegal fish farms and undertake fresh mangrove plantations on the reclaimed land.

A senior Forest Department official said a survey had identified around 1,600 hectares of land that could be restored to its original ecological condition after being cleared of encroachments.

According to the official, the investigation indicates that the mangrove forests were allegedly destroyed in a systematic manner. Embankments were first constructed to block the natural flow of tidal water, gradually drying out the land and causing the mangroves to disappear. The land was subsequently divided into smaller plots and converted into fish ponds.

The official said the activity appeared to have continued in a planned manner over a long period, raising suspicions of a possible nexus involving fish-farm operators, local political figures and corrupt elements within the administration.

The Forest Department said satellite imagery has also indicated that the concerned island had dense mangrove cover before 2016, whereas illegal fish farms are now operating in the area.

Action has already begun to remove the illegal embankments and fish farms. Once the demolition process is completed, the department plans to undertake large-scale mangrove plantation across the reclaimed area.

The district police have also launched a separate investigation to identify the alleged network involving operators of illegal fish farms, political patronage and possible administrative complicity. The Forest Minister has directed officials to take strict action against those found responsible in accordance with law.

Environmental experts have welcomed the government’s initiative, pointing out that Sundarbans mangroves serve as a natural protective barrier against cyclones and storm surges. Their conservation and restoration are therefore considered crucial for the ecological and coastal security of the region.

Since the formation of the new government in the state, campaigns against alleged illegal constructions and encroachments have been undertaken in several areas. The restoration of the Sundarbans’ mangrove forests is now being taken up as a major component of that drive.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey