Management Deficiencies in Ratargul, Tourists Suffer on Risky Watch Tower.

Naim Ahmed, Jointaupur-Gowainghat Sylhet. Ratargul Freshwater Swamp Forest in Gowainghat. Submerged trees during the rainy season, boat rides, and rich biodiversity draw huge numbers of tourists here every year. But while the pressure of tourists has increased, there are still various deficiencies in security and tourism management compared to that. The specific carrying capacity’ how many tourists can enter Ratargul each day has still not been determined. According to the Forest Department, more than 300 tourists come on regular days, and over 500 on Fridays and Saturdays. Local boatmen claim that on holidays this number reaches nearly 2,000. Although around 250 boats operate from Ratargul’s three ghats, tourists were rarely seen using life jackets during the on-site visit. There is also no separate effective system for immediate rescue in case of an accident. Tourists also have complaints about boat fares. One of the main attractions for tourists was the watch tower inside the forest Built in 2014, this tower has been closed for about three years after it became risky. As a result, tourists are being deprived of the opportunity to see the vast beauty of the swamp forest from above. The Forest Department said an initiative has been taken to build a new watch tower. Meanwhile, the noise of engine-powered boats operating on the river reaches even the deep parts of the forest. According to Forest Department officials, this can disturb aquatic animals and wildlife. Loud noise and music by tourists are also having a negative impact on wildlife. However, no major garbage or plastic waste was seen inside the forest during the on-site visit. Relevant authorities said cleanliness workers are regularly removing waste. No complaints of tree cutting were found either. There has been no major visible infrastructural development in Ratargul in the last five years. At present, one Beat Officer and four Forest Guards are on duty. There are also questions about whether this manpower is sufficient compared to the huge pressure of tourists. There are potholes in various parts of the road leading to Ghat No. 2 and 3 of Ratargul. Due to inadequate parking, there was a long traffic jam of tourist vehicles from Friday noon to evening. At the same time, there was no visible presence of Tourist Police in the area. Ratan Kumar Adhikari, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Gowainghat said complaints regarding life jackets, boat fares, traffic jams, and parking will be reviewed and necessary measures will be taken. Md. Shah Alam, Forest Officer of Sari Range said the old watch tower has been closed due to safety risks. An initiative has been taken to build a new tower. He also said new plans are being made to protect Ratargul’s environment and biodiversity. With its boundless natural beauty, Ratargul still fascinates tourists. But those concerned believe it is urgent to take effective steps for security, environmental conservation, and tourism management before the pressure of tourists, uncontrolled boats, and management risks increase further.