Safeguarding Tanguar Haor’s biodiversity amidst rising prospect of Tourism

sylhetersomoy :: Tanguar Haor, a sprawling water body of Sunamganj, renowned for its unique charm during both winter and monsoon seasons, has become a prime destination for tourists seeking natural beauty. Stretching from sunrise to twilight, the haor offers a mesmerizing panorama that has captivated an increasing number of visitors in recent years, especially during the rainy season. Regrettably, the absence of a comprehensive tourism strategy has begun to take a toll on its delicate biodiversity.

Located in the Dharmapasha and Tahirpur Upazilas, Tanguar Haor stands as the second-largest wetland in Bangladesh, contributing to the nation’s ecological diversity. Regrettably, despite its ecological significance, Tanguar Haor faces challenges due to its popularity. Home to 26 endangered species, this haven lures tourists during the monsoon season, which is crucial for its vitality.

The call for improved protection for Tanguar Haor has grown louder among both tourists and local inhabitants. Concerns arise from inadequate supervision and the disregard for established rules by both visitors and boat operators. In response to these concerns, new guidelines have been instituted to regulate tourism within the Haor. Visitors must now secure permission before entering the area and adhere to proper waste disposal in designated containers. Furthermore, the use of gas cylinders for cooking is now prohibited.

These measures aim to mitigate the negative impact on the environment. Among the regulations, tourists are required to abstain from using boats for transportation and are prohibited from employing loud noise generators. The significance of these restrictions stems from the observed damage caused by tourist boats entering Matian Haor through the Boulai River.

Local houseboat owners, such as Nizam Uddin, recognize the potential for Tanguar Haor to not only attract tourists but also boost the local economy. These entrepreneurs are committed to promoting responsible tourism and positive engagement with local stakeholders. Despite claims of extra rent charges, these operators insist they comply with administration instructions, though they admit their influence is limited when tourists remain unaware.

The endeavor to preserve Tanguar Haor’s ecological balance extends beyond local boundaries. Entrepreneurs like Nizam Uddin, who owns “Jaler Gun” and “Floating House” houseboats, invest substantial resources to enhance the region’s tourism potential. Contrary to misconceptions about significant profits, these entrepreneurs invest millions in the area, bearing the responsibility of attracting and retaining tourists.

Abul Hasnat Kajal, a local visitor, lauds Tanguar Haor as a natural paradise but raises concerns over the lack of a proper transport route via boat from Tahirpur. This oversight has caused damage to both the biodiversity and crucial crop protection dams, resulting in significant economic losses. Transportation via river could have circumvented these issues.

In this context, Deputy Commissioner Didare Alam Mohammad Maqsud Chowdhury emphasized that Tanguar Haor holds the distinction of being designated as a Ramsar site and is recognized as an ecologically sensitive area. Our commitment to its preservation is unwavering. To this end, the district administration has developed a comprehensive policy, the successful implementation of which will allow us to promote well-planned tourism while safeguarding the diverse biodiversity of Haor. He further elaborated that a dedicated committee has been established to oversee the adherence of boats to designated routes.