Jambu Island
Jambu Island or Jambudwip is the name of an isolated island situated in the Bay of Bengal in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Jambu was declared as a notified 'Reserved Forest' in 1943 under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Since 1989, it becomes part of the Buffer Zone of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve. After much turmoil from various sectors, as per Supreme Court order on March 31, 2004, access to the island was completely closed and it came under the direct control of the Home Department of the Government of West Bengal.
In 1817 Jambu was recorded as Edmonstone island. In 1841 this island had completely disappeared and Jambu had reappeared southwards again in 1888.
Studying the available literatures on Jambu it has found that initially fishermen came here for fishing purposes and people started immigrating (on temporary basis) into the island during 1980s. People were migrated from Kakdwip and Sagar island.
Since 1998, the forest department stopped issuing passes leading to a confrontation between the Forest department and the fisherfolk. Following the agitation by the fishermen, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal intervened and requested the ministers of the fisheries department and forest department to settle the dispute. Accordingly, on 9th August 2002, the concerned departments arrived at an agreement with certain restrictions to preserve the mangrove forest but allow the fish drying activity on the island.
Environmental groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Protection Society of India complaints regarding encroachment of forest land. It was also reported that Jambudwip is a security concern due to its nearness of international border (Indo-Bangladesh boundary) and a heaven for smugglers, poachers and illegal migrants.
From 31st March 2004, access to Jambu for non-forest activity was completely closed as per the order of the Supreme Court of India. At present the Forest Department, Government of West Bengal looks after this island and planted mangroves and other non-mangrove species on the island.
To maintain the eco system Forest Department is very much aware of this beautiful island. Though landing on this island is completely prohibited but during the boat ride one can see red crabs and migratory birds and the shore birds. This island houses a great range of bird species, reptiles and fish life. Besides it is also the home of huge casuarinas grove.
As no body is permitted to land on the Jambu island but still one can take boat ride around this beautiful island and can watch the beautiful sunrise as well as sunset. When I was posted at Kakdwip I had got opportinity to see this island for two times. It was a pleasant experience for me to see the setting sun. The boat will take you from to the confluence of the river and the Bay of Bengal and then directly into the open sea. I noticed suddenly that the colour of the water was green in colour and was clear as I entered into the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Just enjoy the waves and tranquility of the ride. Take a stroll around this small island and enjoy the exquisite beauty of nature and wild life particularly birds and plant life.
In the first picture we can see the Jambu Island. In the second picture we can see the sun set in the waters of the Bay of Bengal on the way. The third picture where we can see the green clear water of the Bay of Bengal and the fourth picture inside the cabin of the speed boat.
Posted on: 5/15/2020
