Deundi Tea Garden's Shapla Beel, a new tourism potential

Deundi Tea Garden Shapla Beel –a piece of heaven on earth located in Chunarughat in Habiganj district. Amid green and beneath the blue sky, the pink petals of Lotuses over the dark green water of the wetland seem to be a true blessing of nature. Seeing the wetland full of pink Lotuses from a distance, it seems like a red carpet is spread over the water.

Being a rare sight, this kingdom of ‘Shapla’ has become a destination for hundreds of visitors from home and abroad at the beginning of the arrival of winter. Thousands of tourists flock here every morning to afternoon. The garden authorities and local administration are struggling to handle the tourists.

Just a glance at this enchanting ‘Shapla Beel’ has attracted nature lovers for the past few years. The lotus blossoms at night, so people gather at the wetland in the morning to see the blooming pink lotus and take selfies.

Meanwhile, as numerous pictures and videos of this wetland have gone viral on social media, the number of tourists here is increasing day by day. Young people are the majority of tourists. Hundreds of tourists from the district town and surrounding districts come to visit this place on motorcycles and cars.

Recently, a new door of opportunity has been created around the ‘Lal Shapla Beel’ tourist area. Around 20 mobile shops have been set up around here.

Tea workers' children collect the lotuses from small water lands in various tea gardens and sell them to tourists. Local seasonal traders are also benefiting from the spot. However, they have some specific issues to deal with. Locals and tourists demand that the authorities should take immediate measures to resolve the issues.

Sajidul Islam, a businessman at Chunarughat Bazar, said: "There are no toilets or drinking water facilities for tourists visiting here. Tourists visiting from far and wide have to face difficulties."

Chunarughat Pubali Bank Manager Md. Mohiuddin Bhuiyan said: "There are so many people in this tourist center during the holidays, but there are no security personnel to handle any incident."

Former municipal commissioner Jalal Mia said: "Tourists are reportedly being harassed by local businessmen. The administration will have to take necessary action in this regard."

Officer-in-charge of Chunarughat Police Station Mohammad Nazrul Islam said: "Because of various complaints, security measures have been taken here by the local union parishad authorities. Apart from this, police patrols will be arranged."