Despite the West Bengal Forest Minister Bratya Basu strictly warning against felling of trees in one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, trees continue to be chopped to make way for illegal buildings in the Sundarbans.
An incident has been reported from Jhodkali where some land has been cleared near the road to lay down the foundation of what seems like a small construction. Reportedly, the illegal demolition is prevalent despite the administration’s strict vigil as locals are lured by the prospect of earning some extra money by providing their services for the activity. “I assure you that the matter will be taken up with the higher authorities,” Prabhas Chandra Sarkar, a Forest official said. Those living in the area agree that such construction work inside the UNESCO heritage is illegal.
TMC MLA Gurudasi Mandal avoided queries on how illegal activities flourish under his watch, and simply said, “It will be better if the construction can be stopped.”
—Zee Media Newsroom
