Negligence hinders Chandranath hill’s tourism potential

Mismanagement, unhygienic conditions, and a lack of security—along with the authorities’ failure to take effective measures to attract tourists—have prevented the Chandranath hill from becoming a major tourist destination. There is no law enforcement presence to maintain order, no quality hotels or motels for accommodation and dining, and not even a single public toilet in the entire hill area or its surroundings. As a result, this scenic location in Sitakunda, Chattogram, remains deprived of the expected influx of tourists.

Named after the Chandranath Temple, the Chandranath hill is essentially an isolated eastern extension of the Himalayas. This range extends from the southern and southeastern edges of the Himalayas, passing through Assam and Tripura in India, crossing the Feni River, and merging with Chattogram. Rising to a height of 1,250 feet, the hills are a haven of natural beauty. They are home to a revered Shiva temple for Hindu devotees and feature two breathtaking waterfalls—Sahasradhara and Suptadhara. The serene silence, the rugged mountain trails surrounded by lush green foliage, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the occasional calls of wild birds create an enchanting atmosphere.

Despite its natural allure, why has this potential tourist spot failed to draw more visitors? In response, Dr. Shariful Alam Khandaker, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Dhaka, explains, "For ideal tourism, there must be a proportional supply to meet tourists’ demands. Without this, even the most picturesque natural sites fail to develop as tourist destinations and eventually fade into obscurity."

Lack of Quality Hotels, Motels, and Dining Facilities

An on-site visit revealed that the Chandranath Hills are bustling with hundreds of tourists and pilgrims seeking an escape from urban monotony. Many visitors shared their exhilarating experiences of exploring the hills and the profound mental peace they found in its serene surroundings. However, they also expressed frustration over various issues, including administrative negligence and a lack of basic facilities, which made their trip inconvenient.

Dr. Farrukh Uddin, a China-based expatriate, shared his disappointment, saying, "I was quite disheartened upon arriving here. There are no quality hotels or motels, and not even a decent restaurant to dine at."

Dr. Majedul Islam, former chairman of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Rajshahi University, emphasized the importance of proper infrastructure, stating, "To develop an ideal tourist destination, there must be well-established transportation, infrastructural development, sufficient hotels and resorts, and a variety of dining options. Only then will tourists be truly attracted to the site."

Lack of Public Toilets, Discomfort for Female Tourists

Gita Rani Das, a devotee visiting the Chandranath Hills as part of her pilgrimage, expressed her frustration, saying, "I often visit this hill, but the lack of public toilets—both on the hill and in its surroundings—puts me in a difficult situation."

Sheikh Sanjida, a private sector employee from Dhaka, echoed the same concern: "Many of us come here to enjoy nature's beauty, but the lack of sanitation facilities makes it an uncomfortable experience."

In response, Sitakunda Upazila Executive Officer K.M. Rafiqul Islam assured that public toilets would be installed soon.

Turning into a Dumping Ground for Plastic Waste

From the foothills to the peak, numerous small shops sell bottled water, oral saline, chips, and other snacks. However, after consumption, tourists indiscriminately discard empty bottles, plastic wrappers, and polythene bags across the hill, causing an alarming accumulation of waste. The hiking trails, surrounding areas, and even the front of the growing number of shops are now littered with piles of plastic waste, posing a serious environmental threat.

Shopkeepers admit that cleaning the hill daily is impossible, so they remove the waste only once a week.

A shopkeeper told Views Bangladesh that "We collect the bottles, packets, and waste left in front of our shops and place them in a designated spot. Once a week, waste collectors come and take away the bottles. But the trash that tourists throw carelessly remains scattered across the hills, making it impossible to clean completely."

Pilgrim Maloti Dey emphasized the need for awareness among visitors, saying, "Tourists must also be conscious of their actions. We should take our waste back down with us; otherwise, the beauty of the hills will eventually be lost."

Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of the environmental organization Dhara – Dharitri Rokkay Amra (Protecting the Earth), highlighted the urgency of the situation: "Chandranath Hill is a unique natural treasure of our country. It is only natural for people to visit and admire its beauty. However, unregulated tourism has left this scenic landscape buried under layers of plastic and polythene waste. Strict measures are essential to preserve Chandranath Hill."

Lack of Security Concerns Visitors

During a visit to the site, no law enforcement personnel were seen anywhere in the area, leaving visitors worried about security.

Safayet Hossain, a first-year student at Nijampur College, shared his concern: "Since we live in Chattogram, my friends and I often come here. But we have never seen a single law enforcement officer during our visits."

However, Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer K.M. Rafiqul Islam claimed that ten plainclothes security personnel are always stationed at the hilltop. He insisted, "Even if visitors cannot identify them, they are actively performing their duties."