No tourist access to Sundarbans from June 15 to September 15 to protect wildlife

If you were planning a monsoon trip to the Sundarbans, it’s time to cancel. The West Bengal Forest Department has imposed a complete ban on tourist entry into the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve from June 15 to September 15. The reason: this is the peak mating and nesting season for wild animals in the area, including the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Officials say that disturbing the natural environment during this sensitive period can affect wildlife breeding patterns. To protect species such as tigers, deer, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and over 290 species of birds, the forest department has enforced this seasonal restriction for the third year in a row.

Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda explained that this decision is part of the Integrated Resource Management Plan followed across all Indian forest core zones. The idea is to create a calm, undisturbed habitat that encourages reproduction and maintains ecological balance in biodiversity hotspots like the Sundarbans.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including over 219 aquatic species and 344 types of trees. This seasonal closure, though inconvenient for tourists, is seen as crucial for the long-term health of the ecosystem.