Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj is the country's second Ramsar Site after the Sundarbans under the Ramsar Convention. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, green hills, and proximity to the Meghalaya border, Tanguar Haor covers an area of approximately 12,665 hectares. It is often referred to as the Mother of Fisheries and the Mother of All Haors. During winter, thousands of migratory birds arrive here from different parts of the world. Tanguar Haor is not merely a tourist destination; it is one of Bangladesh's most significant wetlands, a marvel of mother Nature, and a sanctuary for countless species.
Today, Tanguar Haor has become less of a haven for Nature lovers and more of a centre of uncontrolled tourism. The immense pressure of excessive tourism is pushing its invaluable biodiversity towards destruction. Over the past few years, the popularity of Tanguar Haor has increased dramatically due to beautiful photographs, videos and travel stories shared on social media. Every day, hundreds of tourists enter the haor on boats. Tourism growth is natural and desirable. However, when tourism exceeds the carrying capacity of Nature, its blessing transforms into a curse.
Visitors to Tanguar Haor now frequently encounter loud music, boats racing one another, and tourists shouting across the water. It often feels as though people are trying to silence Nature itself. Yet this haor was once celebrated for its serenity and peaceful atmosphere. People came here to escape the noise and stress of urban life. Ironically, that very noise has now become one of the haor's defining characteristics.
In truth, Tanguar Haor does not need more promotional campaigns or tourism festivals. What it needs most is conservation. Tourist numbers must be regulated, strict measures must be taken against noise pollution, plastic-free tourism must be ensured, and environmentally friendly policies must be implemented. Tourists must also understand that loving Nature means more than taking photographs of it; it means protecting its existence.
Nusrat Jahan Boishakhy
Student, Eden Mohila College
Department of English
nboishakhy@gmail.com