Local admin issues 14 condition for tourist boats on Tanguar Haor

Various types of engine-powered boats including houseboats are plying in Haor area of Sunamganj in the last four years. However, there are no rules for the movement of these boats. Recently, the district administration held a discussion meeting with the houseboat owners and workers in the conference room of the district administrator. In the meeting, instructions were given to follow 14 principles in navigation. In addition, policies have been made for tourists.

Biodiversity and environment of Tanguare Haor are being destroyed due to illegal tourism. It has become important to think about Haor's resources, biodiversity, environmental protection and safety of tourists. People of all classes and professions associated with the tourist center including Tanguar Haor of Sunamganj have given this opinion.

In the discussion meeting last Sunday, the speakers emphasized on the highest priority in controlling unplanned tourism, encouraging eco-friendly tourism and ensuring that the conservation process of Haor's biodiversity is not disrupted due to tourism.

In the discussion meeting, it was informed by the district administration that the finalization of the tourism policy of the district is being done by the district administration to implement the desired objective. The draft policy includes ensuring socio-economic development of local communities through tourism, creating alternative income opportunities for them.

The policy also includes preserving the biodiversity of the Ramsar site Tanguare Haor and showcasing its breathtaking beauty to the world. Declaring tourism protected areas and creating exclusive tourist zones. No tourist vessel shall be allowed to enter the Haor without the navigation permit of the proper authority. No overnight stay in boat other than Takkerghat area in Tanguar Howre. In case of foreign tourists, the District Commissioner and the law enforcement agencies should ensure the necessary legal activities and coordinate with the tourists.

The policy states that tourists should refrain from any activities or behavior that may endanger the biodiversity of Haor or endanger the biodiversity.

Tour operator boat owners and managers have been directed to refrain from carrying generators that create loud noise inside the Haor, to switch off the generators used on boats after 10 pm.

The policies that are being considered for the tourists are to provide full cooperation during the inspection of the quality of tourism services by members of the administration or law-enforcement forces during the trip to Haor or during the boat inspection.

Obtaining permission for overtime if additional stay is required at Hawre. In no case shall it exceed the maximum limit.

After entering the Haor, do not throw any garbage in the water or on the land, maintain the cleanliness of the watercraft. Not to stay overnight in boat or watercraft other than Tahirpur upazila Takerghat. In case of educational tours, subject to the permission of the concerned authorities, at least one teacher should be appointed as the guardian of every 20 students.

Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ehsan Shah informed about the security of tourists in Hower, tourist police will come soon for the tourist area of Hower. By doing this, tourists can travel more smoothly.

Deputy Commissioner Didare Alam Mohammad Maqsud Chowdhury said, 'Tourists will start coming when the water comes to Howar during monsoon. So we will formulate the policy before monsoon. According to the policy, the boat owners and tourists have to move in Hawar.

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