Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Oct 21, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Forest (DoF) has launched a cleanup drive to remove plastic and polythene waste from Dublarchar and adjacent coastal areas of the Sundarbans ahead of the upcoming Rash Purnima Puja and Holy Bath from November 3 to 5.

The drive, which began on Sunday, is being carried out by forest guards under the Sundarbans East Division, led by Subrata Kumar Das, acting officer of Dublar Patrol Outpost, and Tanvir Hasan Imran, acting forester of Alorkol Patrol Outpost collecting waste from Alorkol, Meher Ali, Officekella, Kochikhali, and Shelarchar.

Officials said the waste, mostly washed in from the sea, poses a serious threat to the fragile coastal ecosystem.

Deputy Ranger Subrata Kumar Das said forest guards have cleared several maunds of waste over the past three days following directives from the divisional office.

Divisional Forest Officer Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said the collected waste will be sent to designated dumping stations, and cleanup efforts will continue even after the festival.

Conservator of Forests (Khulna) Imran Ahmed told BSS that awareness campaigns, training, posters, and leaflets are being used to stop pollution by fishermen, tourists, and other forest users.

Despite guidelines issued by the Forest Department, many continue to pollute rivers and coastal areas, he added.