The Sundarbans, a region of immense ecological importance, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and designated as a Ramsar site in 2019.

This unique ecosystem, however, faced a devastating fire outbreak on 4 May 2024. According to the Forest Department, at least 25 fire incidents occurred in the past 24 years because of local fishermen burning the roots near the river channels to collect fish in the mud. The real cause of the recent fire incident is yet to be discovered. But, the ocean’s role in spreading the flame is perplexing.