Less than a month after a tanker sank on the Shela River in the Sundarbans, the Bangladesh government has reopened shipping lanes through this environmentally sensitive region. Oil bearing traffic will, however, continue to be rerouted via other waterways.
The sinking of the oil tanker Southern Star 7 on 9 December, 2014 triggered serious concerns regarding potential damage to the region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to river dolphins, Bengal tigers and a number of other endangered species. Evaluation by a joint United Nations and Government of Bangladesh team of experts indicated “limited immediate impact” but recommended banning commercial vessel traffic on the river.
As there are limited shipping routes through this region, dredging on an alternative channel, the Mongla-Ghoshiakhali, has begun and should be completed in June. Once this new route is open the Shela River, which was declared a dolphin sanctuary several years ago, will be no longer be used by cargo vessels of any type.
The evaluation by the joint team also recommended further monitoring of the region for longer term effects of the oil spill. What types of monitoring, who will be involved, and how it will be funded has not been specified. Long term impact studies after other oil spills have shown health effects in exposed species and reduced food availability when primary prey is affected.
Resources:
Bangladesh lifts ban on cargo boats after Sundarbans oil spill. The Times of India. Accessed online 8.1.2015
Sundarban Oil Spill Assessment Summary of Findings, Joint United Nations/Government of Bangaldesh Mission. Accessed online 9.1.2015