There are no restrictions on tourists visiting Tanguar Haor, although the movement of houseboats carrying visitors has been temporarily prohibited in the areas around the watchtower and its surroundings.
Md Rezaul Karim, the additional district magistrate and acting deputy commissioner of Sunamganj, confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune on Monday.
He said tourists are welcome to visit Tanguar Haor, but houseboats are currently barred from entering the vicinity of the watchtower.
He added that no activity harmful to the environment will be tolerated, and strict monitoring will be in place.
Earlier, on Sunday night, an urgent notice signed by the acting deputy commissioner stated that, in order to protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of the area, the movement of houseboats in and around the Tanguar Haor watchtower was suspended until further notice.
The notice also instructed everyone to refrain from engaging in any environmentally harmful activities.
The circular urged all to strictly follow the previously issued directives of the Sunamganj district administration regarding visits to tourist sites in the area.
It warned that failure to comply would result in stern legal action.
Meanwhile, various misleading claims about restrictions on visiting Tanguar Haor have been circulating on social media.
In response, the official said the emergency notice has been issued specifically to dispel public confusion.
Spanning an area of 12,655 hectares, Tanguar Haor contains 109 beels (water bodies), with a vast network of canals and streams flowing throughout.
Declared Bangladesh’s second Ramsar site in 2000 due to its environmental significance, the haor has been the focus of various government and non-government conservation efforts over the years.
However, these efforts have largely fallen short due to inadequate enforcement and maintenance.
In recent years, the haor has grown in popularity among tourists, leading to a surge in houseboat traffic.
More than 500 houseboats and engine-driven boats now freely roam the waters, contributing to environmental degradation through plastic waste, noise pollution, and other harmful practices.
Amid this concern, the district administration issued a directive instructing all relevant parties to avoid environmentally harmful behaviour.
Fazlur Rahman Sayeed, general secretary of the Sunamganj Environmental Movement and a teacher, said that under the Environmental Act of 1995, the unrestricted use of engine-driven boats in Tanguar Haor is illegal.
He acknowledged that although the administration’s directive has come late, it is still a positive step.
He noted, however, that earlier instructions were never properly enforced.
Obaidul Haque Milon, general secretary of the Sunamganj district committee of the Save the Haor Movement, said the biodiversity of Tanguar Haor is under serious threat.
He stressed that the directive must not remain limited to paper and should be implemented in full.
Houseboat operators have pledged to follow the new guidelines.
Amit Roy, owner of Bajra houseboat, said that they have long adhered to the administration’s regulations.
However, he acknowledged that some engine-powered boats engage in environmentally harmful practices.
He said houseboat owners have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive.
