Unrestrained Golpata logging to combat soaring bribe rates in Sundarbans

Loggers are cutting down Golpata and other forest resources unrestricted in the western division of the Sundarbans. Sundarbans loggers complain that they are forced to breach the rules just to afford the bribes for harvesting permissions.

The time for cutting Golpata began on Feb 3 this season in the Khulna Range, and the window will close on Mar 31. In the first phase, loggers returned with 89 boats full of Golpata after receiving a 28-day permit.

Shortly after, allegations surfaced that loggers were bringing in more Golpata, which the local name for Nipa Palm, than the permitted amount. Additionally, different types of wood are being smuggled out of the forest under the cover of Golpata.

Moreover, some have complained that the loggers are cutting down entire clusters of Golpata bushes, without leaving the supporting leaves, or “Thyakpata” that protect the species. According to regulations, a mature leaf, which is the “Thyakpata”, must be left next to the young central leaves to ensure the cluster’s survival.

Obaidul Kabir Samrat, coordinator of the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Foundation, said: “Various crimes are occurring in the Sundarbans during the Golpata logging season. Boats with a capacity of 500 maunds (each maund is equivalent to 37.32 kg) are being extended to carry 2,000 to 2,500 maunds of Golpata.”

“Additionally, wood from different trees are being smuggled out by hiding them under Golpata. The reckless destruction of Golpata clusters threatens the survival of these forests.”

He further added, “The Sundarbans has immense economic value, but that should not come at the cost of destruction. In recent times, the extraction of forest resources has become uncontrollable, leading to long-term damage to the Sundarbans.”

According to Forest Department sources, Golpata is a naturally valuable resource in the Sundarbans. During the harvesting season, each boat is allowed to carry a maximum of 186 quintals (approximately 500 maunds) of Golpata, with a revenue of Tk 60 per quintal paid to the forest department.

Residents explain that, despite its name, Golpata is not round but elongated, resembling coconut leaves in its green colour and structure.

For centuries, people in the southern regions have used Golpata for building roofs. Houses with Golpata roofs stay cool in summer and warm in winter, and a well-constructed roof can last three to four years.

However, due to the decreasing cost of tin roofing, the use of Golpata has declined, leading to a reduction in the number of loggers collecting it.

A visit to the banks of the Shakbaria and Koyra rivers in the Sundarbans-adjacent Koyra region revealed large boats loaded with Golpata docked along the shore. Workers were seen stacking the harvested leaves along the embankment.

Although the boats were officially allowed to carry 500 maunds of Golpata, many were overloaded with 2,000 to 2,500 maunds.

Additionally, large logs of wood were hung around the boats, and valuable timber, such as Sundari and Poshur wood was hidden beneath the Golpata stacks.

Loggers claimed that they are forced to overload their boats with Golpata and wood to compensate for the excessive bribes they are forced to pay at every turn. They allege that forest officers and guards threaten to frame them in cases of poaching and smuggling if they refuse to pay bribes.

Several loggers explained that harvesting Golpata was no longer a profitable business for them, as the bribes taken by forest officials except the extortion fee they previously paid to forest bandit gangs.

Moreover, the process of harvesting is a dangerous task all by itself, as there are often tigers hiding behind Golpata bushes. Despite these risks, the “Baowalis”, loggers that only work in the Sundarbans, are forced to continue their work to survive.

Baowali Abdus Salam explained that for a boat carrying 500 maunds of Golpata, the total government revenue amounts to around Tk 12,000, and each kaun (1,680 leaves) of high-quality Golpata sells for Tk 3,200 at the market.

He said, “We are forced to pay additional bribes to obtain permission from the forest office. In total, we end up paying an extra Tk 30,000-40,000 in bribes. On top of that, forest bandits have started to resurface throughout the Sundarbans, so we have to pay them as well.”

Salam said that these costs amount to severe financial loss for the loggers, forcing them to overload their boats with Golpata and wood.

Abu Musa Sana, a logger-cum-trader from the Sutarkhali area of Dakop, said: “Demands for Golpata have already dropped. On top of that, with all these additional costs, it’s impossible to continue this business. Many forest workers are considering quitting this trade. I will also not send my boats to the Sundarbans for Golpata harvesting next season.”

However, Imran Ahmed, divisional forest officer of the Khulna region, said that he was unaware of any bribery, other than the official revenue collection.

He asserted that forest officers and guards had been actively working to prevent all crimes in the Sundarbans and that stringent action would be taken against any forest department official found involved in corruption.

Regarding the illegal cutting of trees along with Golpata harvesting, he said: “Loggers are not allowed to cut down trees under any circumstances. They do not have permission to even use wood for their boats.”

On the issue of forest bandit gangs, Imran said: “We have not received any formal complaints from affected loggers. But there have been reports from various sources about the increased activities of forest bandits.”