Ministry issues 19 orders to protect Tanguar & Hakaluki haors

The ministry stated on Monday that the directives have been issued under the authority of the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013, in accordance with the country’s international environmental commitments.

According to a media release, the ‘Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order’ aims to prevent environmental degradation caused by uncontrolled tourism, illegal navigation, sand extraction, banned fishing nets, destruction of aquatic forests, excessive pesticide use, and waste discharge.

The directives are:

·         Hunting of birds, including migratory species, and commercial duck farming in bird-rich zones are strictly prohibited.

·         Cutting of branches of aquatic trees (Hijal, Karach, etc.) of haors to build fences or use as fish shelters is prohibited.

·         Tourists and houseboats are barred from entering sensitive ecological zones—including fish and bird habitats, breeding centers, and wildlife movement corridors—identified by the district administration or the Department of Environment.

·         The category of the said haor and its land cannot be changed without the permission of the government.

·         The natural flow of watercourses of haors cannot be disturbed without the permission of the government, subject to environmental and social impact assessment.

·         No work can be done in haor areas that may destroy or change the natural characteristics of land and water.

·         Prior approval of the district administration will be required for educational tours and foreign tourist transportation.

·         Tour operations will require district administration approval, with limits on passenger numbers and restrictions on carrying fishing gear. Boats will not be allowed to sail or anchor outside the designated route.

·         Tourist transportation will be completely prohibited in adverse weather conditions. The safety of tourists must be ensured during sudden storms, heavy rains, or lightning.

·         Tour operators and tourists must show due respect for local culture and traditions.

·         Loud music and parties will not be allowed on houseboats/boats.

·         Houseboat/boat owners and tour operators must avoid using noise-polluting engines or generators during their tours.

·         Single-use plastic cannot be carried in houseboats/boats.

·         Fishing in haors using prohibited nets or by electric shock is prohibited.

·         Leasing and extraction of sand, stones, or soil in haors is prohibited without permission from the authorities.

·         No water in any reservoir of haors can be completely drained during the dry season.

·         Tour operators cannot operate boats/houseboats longer than 100 feet.

·         Dumping of industrial, domestic, or institutional waste into the haors is strictly forbidden.

·         Paved road construction in haor areas should be avoided; if unavoidable, it must be approved by competent authorities after environmental and social impact assessments.

The ministry warned that any violation of the protection order will be treated as a punishable offense under the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013, reports UNB.