Published by Brikkho Foundation
Date: April 17, 2025
Nestled beside the Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, the Sonajhuri Forest is not just a lush natural treasure—it is a living heritage. Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this serene woodland has long been admired for its tranquil beauty, clean oxygen-rich air, and cultural vibrancy. But today, this once-pristine zone is under severe threat.
The “Kopai River”,known by many as “Amader Choto Nodi”,is a river that flows through the Khoai region,a part of Santiniketan near Bolpur.This area is characterized by a unique eroded landscapeof red laterite soil ,often referred to as “Khoai” and a patch of dry Sonajhuri forest.
The Rise and Fall of the Sonajhuri Haat
What began in the early 2000s as a modest tribal initiative to promote local handicrafts and folk culture, the Sonajhuri Haat (also known as Khoai Mela or Sonibarer Haat) has now spiraled into a full-scale commercial hub. Originally held once a week on Saturdays, this haat—famous for Baul songs, Santhali dance, pottery, woodwork, and handmade crafts—has now turned into a daily affair with around 1800 traders flooding the forest grounds.
With the increase in tourism and commercialization, plastic pollution, deforestation, illegal constructions, and vehicular traffic have crept deep into the core of Sonajhuri. Forest areas are being cleared to make way for hotels, resorts, and shops, threatening the fragile ecosystem.
The Voice of Resistance
Environmental activist Subhash has been a strong voice in preserving Santiniketan’s ecological balance. After previously challenging the pollution issues of Poush Mela, Subhash is now preparing to move the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over the illegal expansion of Sonajhuri’s haat. From dead trees and garbage piles to illegal tree cutting, his photographic evidence paints a grim picture of what was once a green haven.
“Sonajhuri’s golden era has been washed away. It is now a rusty iron,” Subhash said, warning that “if this continues, the next generation will only read about this forest in history books.”
What the Law Says
Under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, the use of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval is prohibited. The daily haat and rampant deforestation in Sonajhuri directly violate this act. It is not just an environmental concern—it is a legal one too.
Why This Matters
- Loss of biodiversity
- Destruction of indigenous habitats
- Air and soil pollution
- Cultural dilution of the local traditions
- Climatic imbalance in Santiniketan
Brikkho Foundation’s Appeal: Save Sonajhuri Now
At Brikkho Foundation, we are committed to the preservation of Santiniketan’s forests, rivers, and cultural heritage. Our initiatives like Mission Clean Santiniketan and Adopt a Tree are small steps toward a bigger change.
We urge the government, local administration, Visva-Bharati authorities, and the people of Santiniketan to take immediate corrective action. Let us restore the ecological and cultural sanctity of Sonajhuri before it’s too late.
How You Can Help
- Say NO to plastic while visiting Sonajhuri.
- Support eco-friendly tourism.
- Participate in our weekend clean-up drives.
- Donate to our cause to install dustbins and fund awareness campaigns.
- Raise your voice for forest conservation.
Final Thoughts
The geography of Sonajhuri is slowly turning into history. But together, we can reverse the damage. Let us act before silence takes over the songs of the Bauls and the rustle of leaves gives way to concrete and chaos.
Join us in our mission to protect Sonajhuri—before it vanishes.
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Tags: Sonajhuri Forest, Khoai Mela, Santiniketan, UNESCO Heritage, Forest Conservation, Plastic Pollution, Brikkho Foundation, Baul Culture, West Bengal Tourism, Forest Protection India
