Protection order issued for Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor

Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor are among the country’s most important wetlands and sensitive aquatic ecosystems. To protect the environment and ecosystem from uncontrolled tourism and boat movement, illegal sand extraction, use of banned Chinese nets, destruction of aquatic forests, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers, and waste discharge, a “Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor Protection Order” has been issued.

Loud music and parties on houseboats or vessels in these two haors are strictly prohibited.

The Water Resources Ministry announced the information in a press release on Monday, November 10.

It said the order was issued under the authority of the Bangladesh Water Act and as part of fulfilling international commitments.

The order states:

Hunting of birds or migratory birds, commercial duck rearing in areas rich in migratory birds, cutting trees, and damaging the aquatic forests of the haor are strictly prohibited.

Cutting branches of aquatic trees such as Hijol and Koroch for enclosure construction or use as fish shelters is forbidden.

Tourists or houseboats are not allowed to enter designated sanctuary or reserved areas and other sensitive parts of the haor identified by the district administration, Department of Environment or Haor Department, including habitats of birds, fish breeding areas or wildlife corridors.

Changing the land classification of the haor or its surroundings without government approval is prohibited.

The natural water flow of the haor must not be obstructed without government approval based on environmental and social impact assessments.

Activities that damage or alter the natural characteristics of land and water in the haor area are prohibited.

Prior approval from the district administration is required for study tours and for transporting foreign tourists.

Passenger numbers on vessels must remain within approved limits. No houseboat or vessel may carry excess passengers or fishing equipment, and movement or anchoring beyond designated routes is not permitted.

Transporting tourists during adverse weather is strictly prohibited. Safety must be ensured during sudden storms, heavy rain, or lightning.

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

Playing loud music or holding any party on houseboats or vessels is prohibited.

Houseboat and vessel owners, as well as tour operators, must avoid using noise-polluting engines or generators.

Single-use plastics are not allowed on houseboats or vessels.

Fishing using banned nets or electric shock in the haor is prohibited.

Leasing or extracting sand, stones, or soil from the haor without proper authorisation is prohibited.

Complete drainage of any water body in the haor during the dry season is prohibited.

Tour operators may not operate vessels or houseboats longer than 100 feet.

Disposal of liquid or solid waste into the haor from nearby houses, factories, or other establishments is not permitted.

Construction of paved roads in haor areas must be avoided. In cases of necessity, prior approval from the competent authority is required, and environmental and social impact assessments must be completed before starting any government-approved construction work.

The ministry stated that compliance with this protection order is mandatory, and violation will be considered a punishable offence under the Bangladesh Water Act, 2013.