Environmentalists at a discussion yesterday urged the government to declare February 14 as Sundarbans Day. They said the Sundarbans with its rich bio-diversity is protecting the southwestern region of the country from natural calamities, but the forest resources are being plundered, threatening ecological disaster. The largest mangrove forest in the world must be preserved in its natural form as it is essential not only for our survival but also for the existence of the mankind, they added. Satkhira Sundarbans Day Udjapan Parishad organised the discussion at Satkhira Officers' Club auditorium to mark the Sundarbans Day. The environmentalists have been observing February 14 as the Sundarbans Day for the last seven years. Principal Sukumar Das of Satkhira Government College was present as the chief guest while former minister Dr Aftabuzzaman was the main discussant. Presided over by Principal Asit Kumar Majumdar, the discussion was addressed by Sheikh Azhar Hossain, Zaman Khan, Kazi Saidur Rahman, Kalyan Banerjee, Madhab Dutta, Mizanur Rahman and Advocate Farida Akhtar Banu. They said the flora and fauna of the Sundarbans have to be protected and the main responsibility lies with the people and the government as well. Its vast natural resources and the wild life will be at stake if the authorities fail to take appropriate measures right now, they warned. They also stressed the need to raise awareness among the people and launch a social movement to protect its resources and bio-diversity.