In a bid to protect the nature and biodiversity of Tanguar Haor, the district administration has taken a strict stance. From now on, the tourist-carrying houseboats are not allowed from operating in and around the watchtower area of the haor until further notice
Tanguar Haor, situated in the Sunamganj district of northeastern Bangladesh, is a vital wetland ecosystem and a designated Ramsar site, known internationally for its environmental significance. Spanning over 100 square kilometers during the monsoon season, the haor supports a wide array of biodiversity, including more than 200 species of birds, numerous fish species, amphibians, and aquatic plants. It also works as a natural flood reservoir and provides livelihoods to the thousands of local residents through fishing, agriculture, and seasonal tourism. Despite its ecological and socio-economic value, Tanguar Haor has been facing growing pressure due to unregulated tourism, pollution, and habitat loss. Against this backdrop, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj, issued the recent directive to preserve the haor’s fragile ecosystem.
In an emergency notice issued by the district administration on Sunday night (22 June), it was stated that the decision has been taken in the interest of protecting biodiversity and maintaining the ecological balance of the haor.
The notice addressed that, in light of the increasing environmental degradation, specific instructions have been delivered to suspend the movement of all tourist-carrying houseboats in and around the watchtower area of Tanguar Haor. This measure is aimed at reducing human intervention in one of the haor’s most ecologically sensitive zones. Authorities have also requested all individuals and groups to refrain from any activities—such as littering, loud noise, or unauthorized fishing—that could disturb the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Environmentalists and local residents have strongly braced the decision, describing it as a much-needed step toward protecting the haor’s delicate biodiversity. They emphasized that disproportionate boat traffic—particularly during the monsoon season, which concurs with the breeding period for many aquatic species and migratory birds—poses a serious threat to the ecological health of the wetland. The noise, water pollution, and physical disruption caused by unregulated tourism can have lasting impacts on wildlife behavior and habitat integrity.
Many believe this decision reflects growing awareness among policymakers about the need for sustainable management of natural resources. Environmental advocates consider the restriction both timely and essential, and have called for long-term measures—including ecotourism guidelines, stricter enforcement, and community engagement—to ensure that the haor remains protected beyond the monsoon season.
Kashmir Reza, president of the Environment and Haor Development Organization, said that Tanguar Haor is an ecologically critical area. Over the past 20 years, 70% of its biodiversity has been lost. He called for regulated tourism, stronger government action to protect biodiversity, and specific research to guide future conservation efforts.
