Sundarbans resource collectors. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, May 8, 2025 (BSS) - The Forest Department is set to introduce digital identity cards for resource collectors in the Sundarbans - including bawalis (wood collectors), mouals (honey gatherers) and fishermen - to monitor their activities and curb illegal entry into restricted forest zones.

The smart ID system will alert forest guards via SMS if a cardholder enters a prohibited area, allowing for immediate identification and response.

"We're in the final stages of selecting a consultant to develop the digital ID cards," said AZM Hasanur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans West Division. 

He said out of 22 consultancy firms, seven have been shortlisted, and one will be selected this month.

The Forest Department aims to complete the database and begin distributing the cards by June.

The initiative follows a directive from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which highlighted the need for a digital system to manage the activities of communities dependent on the Sundarbans for fishing, crab collection, honey gathering, and golpata harvesting.

Each smart card will feature a QR code containing the holder's photo, address, forest entry and exit dates, fishing gear used and revenue paid. The system will also enable users to pay forest fees via mobile phone, eliminating the need to visit forest offices.

Separate databases are also being planned for tour operators and guides to enhance regulation of tourism in the Sundarbans.

Officials believe the system will enhance transparency, streamline resource management, and strengthen forest protection.