Tourists, water crisis plague cleanest Munlai Para village

Munlai Para, a well-organized and picturesque hilly village in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban, is famous for its cleanliness. Every Machang house yard is adorned with hibiscus and other flowering plants, enhancing its beauty manifold. Nestled along the banks of the Sangu River, the village welcomes visitors with its eco-system homestays, traditional hill cuisine, thrilling trekking experiences, kayaking, the country’s longest zip line, and various exciting events.

Located on the way to the popular tourist spot Boga Lake, Munlai Para, with its well-kept environment on the slopes of the hills, has become an attraction for local travelers and nature lovers.

However, the villagers of this pristine village, often hailed as the cleanest in the country, are struggling due to a lack of tourists and a severe water crisis.

A visit to the village reveals that the absence of tourists has caused severe economic hardship for the tourism-dependent residents. The two eco-tourism restaurants, "Kichukkhon" and "Chungchung", remain closed, while the resorts are in a state of deterioration.

The acute water crisis has further aggravated their suffering. Without enough water, the village’s 100% hygienic sanitation system has not achieved full success. The flowering plants in every yard are withering, and the once-lush greenery is turning dry and lifeless.

Locals share that Munlai Para was established in 1983 when 30 families of the Bom ethnic group migrated from Chungchung Para, a border village. Currently, 70 families reside here, with each family owning five acres of land. From the beginning, the villagers have focused on beautification, cleanliness, and communal harmony. They even conduct community-led mediation and justice processes. Due to their collective efforts, Munlai Para has earned the title of the most beautiful village in Bangladesh.

Situated 42 kilometers from Bandarban town, the village is six kilometers from Ruma Bus Stand. The journey through the winding hills takes two to two and a half hours to reach this exemplary model village.

Eco-tourism entrepreneur Jingsam Bom said "The Bom community has an inherent appreciation for beauty—it is a part of our heritage. Every house in the village has a designated trash bin. Each resident dedicates at least 30 minutes daily to maintaining cleanliness. If someone is sick or away, their neighbors voluntarily clean their yard. During the monsoon, villagers aim to plant at least 10 flowering plants around their homes. This is a collective decision and a symbol of our social unity."

Housewife Lalnun Ziri Bom added that "Between household chores, we spend at least 30 minutes twice a day on cleanliness. This practice has been passed down from our ancestors. We strive to preserve Munlai Para’s beauty and reputation. We also educate our children about cleanliness by taking them around the village and teaching them to clean up garbage."

Teacher Kaleb Bom emphasizes the village’s strong sense of unity and said "We consider everyone here as part of one big family. There is no fear of theft, so we never lock our houses. Even when someone leaves their home open, their neighbors take care of it as if it were their own. This is a remarkable example of trust and community in today’s world."

Munlai Para Community Management Committee’s General Secretary Robin Bom expresses grave concern and said "The water crisis is making life extremely difficult for the villagers. We are also struggling to maintain the village’s beauty due to the shortage of water. We urge the government and private organizations to take necessary action."

Ruma Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Adnan Chowdhury acknowledges the village’s uniqueness and said "Munlai Para is a symbol of collective effort and social harmony. Each resident contributes daily to maintaining the village’s beauty, which is truly commendable. The village serves as an inspiration for building a clean and organized society and country."

He added that "I personally visit Munlai Para in my free time because its nature-friendly setting, surrounded by hills, brings a sense of peace."

However, regarding the water crisis, he stated that "The village committee has not informed me about this issue. If they bring it to my attention, I will take the necessary steps.