Solar lights being installed to boost safety in tiger-Prone Mongla areas

Conservation organisation WildTeam has begun installing solar-powered lights in several forest-edge villages of Mongla in Bangladesh under its ongoing community-based Sundarbans protection programme, aiming to improve night-time safety and reduce human–tiger conflict risks.

As part of the initiative, 10 solar lights have recently been set up in South Chila and Burburia villages under the Chandpai Range.

The intervention follows the launch of WildTeam’s Improved Cooking Stove (ICS) Distribution Programme at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre in Joymoni.

Both initiatives are being implemented in the same programme areas, including Joymonir Ghol, South Chila and Burburia.

According to a media statement, the lighting project is designed to address security concerns in remote forest-edge settlements where limited visibility after dark increases vulnerability to wildlife encounters, particularly tigers. Lights are being installed at locations identified as high-risk based on previous human–tiger conflict patterns and local community input. The illuminated stretches are expected to deter tiger movement towards villages, enable early risk detection and facilitate safer emergency response.

Residents have welcomed the initiative. Locals say poorly lit village roads and river boundaries often heighten fear, especially for fishermen and families with cattle. Some noted that the lighting would also assist navigation during cyclones and flooding, when electricity supply is disrupted and visibility becomes extremely low.

A Chandpai Range forester said the programme complements government efforts, as resource constraints prevent authorities from lighting all vulnerable roads, jetties and riverside areas at once.

He described the solar support as beneficial for both community safety and forest protection.

The lighting initiative works alongside the ICS programme, which aims to reduce household fuelwood consumption and dependence on the Sundarbans.

WildTeam said the combined approach strengthens conservation outcomes by easing pressure on forest resources while improving safety in high-risk zones.

The programme builds on earlier success under the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) in the Satkhira Range, implemented with support from German Cooperation through KfW and IUCN, where assessments showed reduced fuelwood use and positive feedback on solar installations.

Supported by Bangladesh-UK joint venture Echotex and Echoknits, WildTeam plans to install 50 solar lights over five years, including the 10 already completed.

Monitoring will assess impacts on night-time mobility, safety and conflict-risk reduction, alongside ongoing community outreach, training and conservation engagement activities in the Chandpai landscape.