Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - The Forest Department has constructed seven elevated earthen platforms, locally known as 'Tiger Tilla', in different parts of the Sundarbans to protect wildlife from cyclones and tidal surges.

Built under the Tiger Conservation Project, the tiger tillas are designed to serve as safe shelters for tigers, deer and other wildlife during natural disasters. Alongside the tillas, freshwater ponds have been excavated to ensure a reliable source of drinking water for animals.

Forest officials said cyclones and tidal surges inundate large areas of the Sundarbans with saline water every year, causing the death of many wild animals. Considering the recurring threat, the Forest Department undertook the initiative to construct raised platforms inside the forest.

According to sources, in the first phase during the 2023-24 fiscal year, five tiger tillas were constructed in the Sundarbans East Forest Division. These include three at Katka, Kachikhali and Kokilmoni under the Sharankhola Range, and two at Harbaria and Charaputia under the Chandpai Range.

In the second phase, during the 2024-25 fiscal year, two more tiger tillas were built at Supti under the Sharankhola Range and at Marapashur under the Chandpai Range. The construction of these two tillas was completed in December last year.

On average, Tk 24 lakh was spent on each tilla. Deep ponds were excavated by raising embankments around the platforms so that wildlife can drink rainwater stored in the ponds and take shelter on the elevated banks during tidal surges.

A visit to Supti and Katka areas showed large ponds beside massive tiger tillas, measuring about 10 to 12 feet in height, built with soil excavated from the ponds. These structures are expected to provide refuge for many animals during disasters.

Katka Sanctuary Centre In-charge Forester Md Matiur Rahman said the tiger tillas have been constructed at sufficient height to allow tigers, deer and other animals to climb up easily and remain safe during cyclones and tidal surges.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division in Bagerhat, Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, said that saline water inundation during cyclones and tidal surges severely affects wildlife, and many animals died in last year's disasters.

"To address this problem, the Forest Department has started constructing tiger tillas under the Tiger Conservation Project to provide safe shelters for tigers and their prey species," he said.

He added that over the last two years, seven tiger tillas along with pond excavation have been completed in the Chandpai and Sharankhola ranges, and at least 20 more such tillas are needed in the Sundarbans East Forest Division. 

Initiatives will be taken in the future to implement further projects, he added.