Tanguar Haor: A sanctuary in jeopardy

Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh's second 'Ramsar site' after the Sundarbans, stretches across 12,655 hectares in Tahirpur and Dharmapasha upazilas of Sunamganj. This once-thriving biodiversity reservoir and natural fishery were home to numerous bird species and abundant fish populations. However, the opulence of this wetland beauty has been reduced greatly, and the locals are deeply concerned.

The onset of this crisis dates back to two decades ago when the haor came under local government administration. Initially, there was considerable attention, but gradually, administrative care dwindled. Earlier, a significant number of guards oversaw the vast haor. 

However, now only 24 Ansar members are employed to protect this ecosystem. Thus this precious ecosystem becomes severely under-protected, leaving it vulnerable to the 'Tragedy of Commons', where the haor loses its vital natural resources due to overfishing.

The consequences are dire: the locals no longer find local fish on their plates. Instead, they resort to consuming farm-produced fish. Despite being known as the 'Mother of Fisheries', this haor is on the brink of an existential crisis.

According to the locals involved in Haor management, the key to revival lies in proper sanctuary maintenance and stopping dam construction and removal. Responsible tourism practices are also essential, including holding tourists accountable for their actions.

Tanguar Haor, with its 54 small and large bills and intricate canal network, supports around 60,000 people. 

Previously leased as a 'Jalmahal', it was a substantial revenue source for the government. In 1999, it was declared an 'Environmentally Critical Area'. In 2000, it achieved the prestigious status of a 'Ramsar site', signifying its global importance.

Despite these acknowledgements, inadequate management and lack of proper protection have gradually declined Tanguar Haor. 

In 2007, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) undertook a project to raise awareness about the security and management of the haor among the community. Unfortunately, the project failed because the residents could not lessen their reliance on the haor.

Additionally, the haor's biodiversity is under threat due to various factors such as habitat destruction, hunting, and illegal fishing practices. Migratory birds, once abundant, are now dwindling in number. 

Forests are vanishing due to human activities like fuel gathering and cattle grazing, depriving birds and fish of their essential food sources.

Tourism, while offering economic prospects, poses a significant threat. The surge in tourists, especially those staying overnight on boats, is disrupting the ecosystem. The local administration has imposed restrictions, but rules enforcement remains lax.

Strict policies and proper enforcement are necessary to preserve this important ecological region. The delicate balance between tourism and environmental conservation must be maintained. 

Otherwise, the very essence of Tanguar Haor, once a 'Mother of Fishes', might fade away, leaving behind a mere shadow of its former self.

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