Restriction on tourist houseboats in some Tanguar Haor areas in Sunamganj
Tourist houseboats have been banned from entering the watch tower and the surrounding areas of the haor until further notice
The Sunamganj district administration has imposed strict restrictions on the movement of tourist houseboats in some areas of Tanguar Haor to protect the environment and biodiversity.
Tourist houseboats have been banned from entering the watch tower and the surrounding areas of the haor until further notice.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rezaul Karim issued the directive in an office order last night (22 June).
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An urgent notice issued by the district administration that same night stated that this decision was taken in the interest of protecting the haor's biodiversity and maintaining environmental balance.
The notice said instructions had been given to stop the movement of tourist-carrying houseboats in the watch tower and surrounding areas of Tanguar Haor, considering the damage to the natural environment.
At the same time, the notice instructed everyone to refrain from any activities harmful to the haor's environment.
Additionally, visitors to other tourist spots in the district have been asked to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the district administration. A warning has also been issued regarding the potential legal action against those who violate the instructions.
Environmentalists and locals welcomed this decision. According to them, during the monsoon season, which is the breeding time for aquatic life and birds in the haor, excessive boat traffic has a severe impact on the environment.
Moreover, tourists entering the haor with houseboats play loud music and dump waste in the haor, causing severe environmental damage. Therefore, the decision to restrict houseboat entry into the haor is appropriate and timely.
Kashmir Reza, president of the Environment and Haor Development Organisation, said, "Tanguar Haor is an ecologically critical area. Tourism in this area must be brought under control."
He said 70% of biodiversity in Tanguar Haor has decreased over the past 20 years, although there is no research on this.
"We want specific research to be conducted on this. The government should work to protect the biodiversity of Tanguar Haor," he added.
