Eco-tourism in Sundarban
Sundarban Ecotourism is a form of responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people. Its purpose is to fund ecological conservations and support the local communities.
The development of the Sundarban eco-tourism is one of the top priorities of the Forest Department. It forms part of the existing Government national objectives concerning existing and proposed tourism policies in Bangladesh and India. The Eco-Tourism Development and Management Plan advises on legislation, tourism practices, structural changes, training and facilities requirements, environmental impact, and marketing and promotion strategies. It will contribute to the event of a healthy, responsible and sustainable type of eco-tourism for the benefit of all. The Eco-tourism Centres are located at Sajnekhali, Dobanki, Netidhopani and Burir Dabri in STR, and at Bonie camp(Sundarikati), Bhagabatpore Crocodile Project, Lothian Island sanctuary and Kalash beach. There area unit 2 Nature Interpretation Centres settled at Sajnekhali and Bhagabatpore, and one Eco museum at Sudarikati. The Canopy walk at Dobanki, the mangrove trail at Burirdabri and the tallest Watch Tower at Bonie camp are added attractions for the Eco-tourists.
The Flora
A total of 245 genera and 334 plant species were recorded by David Prain in 1903. While most of the mangroves in different components of the globe area unit, Avicenneaceae or Combretaceae, the mangroves of Sundarbans are dominated by the Malvaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The types of the forests that exist in Sundarbans embrace Rhizophora mangrove scrub, littoral forest, saltwater mixed forest, brackish water mixed forest and swamp forest.
The Fauna
There is no doubt that the Royal Bengal tiger is the most aesthetic animal of the marshy land but it also comprises of other animals like the chital deer, pangolins, foxes, fishing cats, etc. Among the birds grey-headed fish eagle, blue-eared kingfisher is the most common to view during the Sundarban tour. It is estimated that there are about 180 Bengal tigers and 30,000 chital deers which are spotted in the area.
Religious Beliefs and Rituals
The Sundarbans’ forest dwellers have bit by bit embraced a culture of their own. There are certain rituals as well as religious festival observed in the Sundarban villages, for instance, the Raash yatra within the Dubla Island (Bangladesh) that takes place on Raash Purnima is determined throughout the month of Nov. The Hindu community from India and different states usually visit the Sundarban forest area throughout this era and take holy dip within the waters and build offerings for a fulfilment want. Bonbibi is another Superpower who is popularly worshipped in the Sundarbans as the savior of the natives. Bonbibi, who is considered as the omnipotent power who looks after the welfare of the dwellers of the forest. Bonbibi is very popular among both the communities, the Hindus as well as the Muslims. It is a major part of Sundarban eco-tourism.
Among all the Gods and Deities of Sundarban are Manik Pirs, Olabibi, Manasa, Gazi Saheb, Sa Janguli, etc. But among these, Dakshin Rai holds a special place. Worshipping Dakshin Rai is a must for the people before they enter the forest. Dakshin Rai could be a legend King in the form of Tiger is adored by all, irrespective of their caste and creed and is considered as the God of the Tigers.
Any forest going woodcutter in Sundarban forest or honey collector first propitiates the deities of Bonbibi and Dokhhinrai, which are usually placed at the edge of forests. For the previous few years, the individuals of the Kalitala village in north twenty-four Parganas are encapturing the whole life history of Bonbibi by displaying a panel of clay pictures that is quite 250 in range. The residents of the Sundarbans refers to Bonbibi as a Musalmani Hindu deity, the practice approach is completely different within the 2 communities residing therein space.
The Culture
It is mentioned in varied Bengali folks songs and dances centering the people heroes, many deities and goddesses like Bonobibi, Dakshin Rai of Sunderbans and to the lower Gangetic Delta (Maa Manasa and Chand Sadagar). Manasamangal, a Bengali folk epic includes couple of passages set in the Sunderbans when the heroine Behula’s quests to bring Lakhindar, her husband, back to life.
Sunderbans has been the subject of multiple non-fiction books, such as The Man-Eating Tigers of Sundarbans by Sy Montgomery. This book that was additionally shortlisted for the Dorothy solitaire Fisher Children’s Book Award. Emily Eden discusses her travels through the Sunderbans in her book “Up the Country”. Apart from these, numerous documentary films have been shot with Sunderbans as the subject. 2003 IMAX production “Shining Bright” that centered on the Royal Bengal tiger is one in all those. The popular BBC TV series “Ganges” that documented the lives of Sundarbans’ villagers, honey collectors is additionally worth mentioning. Apart from these the forest dwellers also worships snakes, tigers, trees to overcome any difficulty.
Maybe Sundarban is a god gifted place to the locals with some beautiful and ferocious species but it also serves as a great tourist destination for making an adventurous tour. So if you have not taken the adventurous tour yet, then join as soon as possible to the Land of the Tigers.
