The Sunamganj district administration has issued a set of 14 guidelines for tourists visiting the region’s popular destinations, including the ecologically sensitive Tanguar Haor, in a bid to preserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable tourism.
The directive was posted on the official Facebook page of the Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner around 10am on Friday. It outlines both prohibitions and responsibilities for visitors to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Tanguar Haor, located in Tahirpur and Madhyanagar upazilas, comprises 109 beels and covers over 12,655 hectares. Recognised as the country’s second-largest freshwater wetland, the area holds international significance, having been designated a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention for its critical ecological importance.
To safeguard the wetland and its avian and aquatic life, tourists have been instructed to avoid loud music, the use of plastic or inorganic waste, fishing or disturbing birds, using detergents or chemicals in the water, or engaging in any activity that damages flora and fauna.
Visitors must also refrain from entering the protected core zones or leaving man-made or organic waste in the haor.
Additionally, the use of local guides, wearing life jackets, and observing wildlife from a distance — without flash photography — have been strongly recommended. They also asked tourists to refrain from lighting campfires or fires of any sort.
The administration is placing instructional leaflets on boats and will erect signboards at major tourist points including Saheb Bari Ghat within the next few days. Upazila Nirbahi Officers have also been instructed to install signages at key tourist sites in their jurisdictions.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Ilias Mia told state-owned news agency BSS that arrangements are being made to put up leaflets in every boat with the instructions for tourists.