Much to the delight of forest lovers, the State Forest Department, for the first time, has decided to keep selective portions of various forests in northern Bengal open for tourists during the monsoon season, that is, from mid-June to mid-September.

Usually, the entire forest areas remain closed for tourists from June 16 to September 15. On demand from many tour operators, resort owners and transport operators, who have in turn listened to requests by tourists, the department has decided to keep certain areas open.

There is something special about the natural beauty of forests during the rainy season and many tourists are keen to witness this. The green of the forests acquires a special glow during this time of the year.

Kalipur Jungle Camp, Dhupjhora Eco Tourism Camp under Gorumara National Park, Panjora Jungle Camp, Murti Jungle Camp, Hornbill Jungle Camp and Chukchuki Watchtower, which are also located in close proximity of Gorumara, will be kept open, including the route in Chapramari forest from the entrance gate to the watchtower.

The Dakshin Khayerbari Tiger Rescue Centre and Mendabari Jungle Camp under Jaldapara National Park and areas like Sikiajhora Eco Tourism Centre, Poro Eco Park, Buxa Fort, Jayanti, etc. under Buxa forest will also remain open for tourists.

It may be mentioned that the season from June to September is also the mating season for many animals. Hence, the department would ensure that no disturbance is created for the animals. Therefore, no jeep safari or elephant safari will be allowed inside the forests.

A number of species of animals like tigers, rhinoceros and elephants make their habitat in the forests of the Dooars. Other animals include various types of deer, bison, birds and reptiles.

Source: Millennium Post

The State Forest Department is coming up with a comprehensive guide containing information on, and pictures of, birds in the Sundarbans. This is the first time that such a book is being brought out by the Government.

The Sundarbans is famous for its wildlife, especially tigers and crocodiles. But it also has a huge treasure of avian life. The book would help to bring that into focus.

Through this venture, the Government hopes to increase awareness about the various types of birds that inhabit the forests of the delta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site referred to by the name Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR). This guide would in turn help attract more tourists to the region, especially bird-watchers.

Dominant In the region are osprey, brahminy kite and white-bellied sea eagle, while the rose-ringed parakeet, flycatcher and warbler are found in the middle and the lower tiers of the forested areas. The water-loving kingfisher abounds too.

Officials and experts working in the SBR believe that the bird variety in the mangroves consists of over 500 species, at least 55 of which are migratory ones.

সুন্দরবনের পাখিদের নিয়ে বই প্রকাশ করবে বন দপ্তর

সুন্দরবন অঞ্চলের সমস্ত পাখিদের সচিত্র বিবরণ সংকলিত একটি বই প্রকাশ করতে চলেছে রাজ্য বন দপ্তর। রাজ্য সরকারের তরফে এই রকম উদ্যোগ এই প্রথম।

রয়্যাল বেঙ্গল টাইগারের জন্য বিশ্ব বিখ্যাত সুন্দরবন। কিন্তু এই ম্যানগ্রোভ বনে যে লুকিয়ে আছে নানা প্রজাতির পাখির সম্ভার, তা দেশী ও বিদেশী পর্যটকের কাছে তুলে ধরতেই এই বই প্রকাশিত করা হচ্ছে। এই উদ্যোগের ফলে সুন্দরবন সম্বন্ধে পর্যটকদের অনেকটাই ধারণা বদলাবে।

বন দপ্তরের আধিকারিকরা এক স্বেচ্ছাসেবী সংস্থার সাথে যৌথ উদ্যোগে এই কাজ করছে। কোন অঞ্চলে কোন পাখিরা আসে তা চিনিয়ে দিতে সাহায্য করছেন স্থানীয় মানুষরা। সুমিত সেন, দেশের অন্যতম সেরা পক্ষিবিদ, পাখিদের ছবি তুলেছেন বইটির জন্য।

খুব শীঘ্রই এই বইটি প্রকাশিত হতে চলেছে। সুন্দরবনে অনুষ্ঠিত হতে চলা বনবান্ধব মেলায় বনমন্ত্রীর হাতে এই বইটির প্রকাশ হবে।

Source: Millennium Post

Tag: Birds

Parts of forests in Dooars to remain open for tourists during monsoon

Bengal Govt to launch book about birds in the Sundarbans

সুন্দরবনের পাখিদের নিয়ে বই প্রকাশ করবে বন দপ্তর