Government plans modern eco-tourism hub at Chalan Beel: Tourism Minister

The government has taken an initiative to develop Chalan Beel, one of the country’s largest wetlands, into a modern and integrated tourism destination, with a focus on eco-tourism and the area’s natural landscape and biodiversity.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita announced the plan on Saturday (August 8) at a feasibility assessment programme for the proposed “Chalan Beel Integrated Eco-Tourism and Modern Tourism Centre” at Dobila Islampur Degree College in Tarash, Sirajganj.

The minister said the wetland’s natural beauty and ecological resources could be developed into a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists if the project is implemented in a planned and sustainable manner.

Earlier, Rita, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Shahiduzzaman and officials from the ministry inspected an area near Bridge No. 9 in Chalan Beel at the initiative of Sirajganj-3 MP VP Aynul Haque. A discussion followed at the college, chaired by Tarash Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nusrat Jahan.

Rita said officials had also inspected potential sites in parts of Natore within the Chalan Beel region. The government will assess the project's feasibility, proposed infrastructure and other implementation issues before making a final decision.

The minister said she would discuss the proposed tourism centre with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after completion of the feasibility assessment.

If implemented, the project could create new employment and business opportunities for local communities while boosting tourism-linked activities in fisheries, agriculture and small businesses, officials and local stakeholders said.

The government has also emphasised the need to preserve Chalan Beel’s natural environment and biodiversity while developing it as a tourism destination.