The Sundarbans has become vibrant with the movement of domestic and foreign tourists during the ongoing three-day holiday.
On Friday alone, more than 2,000 tourists visited Katka, marking the highest single-day turnout of the season.
According to Forest Department sources, over 4,000 tourists have toured Katka and other points of the Sundarbans in the last week.
Md Matiur Rahman, Forester and Officer-in-Charge of the Katka Wildlife Sanctuary Centre under the Sundarbans East Forest Division, said a wave of tourists has hit the forest as hundreds are arriving daily by launches and vessels.
On Friday, a seasonal record number of tourists arrived at Katka on board 38 vessels. Visitors were delighted to watch herds of spotted deer roaming freely and crocodiles basking in the sun along riverbanks and canals. Many tourists also strolled along the Jamtala sea beach at Katka, while some took dips in the sea, he added.
Md Azad Kabir, Forester and Officer-in-Charge of the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding and Tourism Centre, said a large number of local and foreign tourists visited Karamjal during the extended holiday, including Christmas.
Nazmul Azam Devit, Secretary of the Tour Operators of Sundarbans noted that although tourist flow has increased recently, the number of visitors this year is lower compared to last year.
Tour Operators of Sundarbans Joint Secretary Mazharul Islam Kochi said wearing life jackets has been made mandatory for all tourists, ensuring safety during travel. Each vessel carries armed security personnel, while regular Coast Guard patrols provide additional security.
Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, Bagerhat, said tourist movement has increased significantly. On December 25, the department issued 18 tour permits, allowing 611 local and 13 foreign tourists to visit the Sundarbans after depositing the prescribed revenue. Forest guards remain actively engaged in ensuring guide support and overall security for visitors, he added.
