Nikli haor tourism declines

Nikli Haor, one of Bangladesh’s most popular monsoon tourist destinations, is witnessing an unusually quiet season as low water levels, inadequate rainfall and safety concerns have led to a sharp decline in visitor numbers, threatening the livelihoods of thousands who depend on tourism.

Known for its vast expanse of water, scenic beauty and boating experience during the monsoon, Nikli Haor has attracted thousands of visitors from across the country in recent years.

However, this season, the usual crowds are missing. Rows of boats remain tied up at the ghats, while boatmen wait idly for passengers.

Hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and roadside vendors are reporting poor business as tourist arrivals have dropped sharply.

Local residents said a thriving tourism economy had developed around Nikli Haor over the past few years, creating employment opportunities for boatmen, speedboat operators, hotel and restaurant owners, photographers, guides, transport workers and small traders.

They estimate that around 10,000 boatmen and several thousand other people depend directly or indirectly on tourism for their livelihoods.

The decline in visitors has been attributed to several factors, including the early recession of floodwaters, inadequate rainfall, and insufficient water for boating in many parts of the haor, and concerns over tourist safety due to a lack of adequate life jackets, rescue equipment, warning signs and trained rescue personnel.

Some visitors have also complained about excessive boat fares and poor tourism management.

“During previous monsoon seasons, there was hardly any space on weekends because of the huge number of tourists,” said a local trader. “Now, the area remains quiet for most of the day.”

Locals said that after photos and videos showcasing the beauty of Nikli Haor went viral on social media, the destination became one of the country’s most sought-after monsoon attractions.

Visitors from Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Tangail, Gazipur and the northern districts regularly travelled to Nikli to explore Tanguar Haor’s surrounding waterways, Itna, Mithamoin, Ashtagram’s All-Weather Road, Chhatirchar’s Karchaban, the former President’s residence and President Resort by boat or speedboat.

Speaking to The New Nation, Kishoreganj Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman said special importance had been given to ensuring the safety of tourists visiting Nikli and nearby Karimganj.

“The district police have already held several coordination meetings with hotel owners, resort authorities, boat and speedboat operators, journalists and other stakeholders,” he said.

He said river patrols had been strengthened, while the Naval Police and Tourist Police had been deployed to enhance security. Volunteer-based traffic management and increased surveillance have also been introduced to ensure tourists can travel safely.

Tourism in the area expanded rapidly following the construction of the Tk 900 crore Itna-Mithamoin-Ashtagram All-Weather Road in 2020, which significantly improved connectivity and increased tourist arrivals.

However, many local businesses now fear prolonged losses if water levels do not improve soon.

The police are also working with the district and upazila administrations to improve tourist facilities, including plans to establish a command and control centre with changing rooms, information services and emergency assistance.

“We want visitors to enjoy Nikli Haor safely and comfortably. The district police will provide all possible assistance whenever needed,” the SP added.

Nikli Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Shahidullah said the administration was making comprehensive preparations to ensure safe and organised tourism once water levels rise.

“Our priority is to maintain coordination with boat and houseboat operators, improve cleanliness in tourist areas and ensure quality services for visitors,” he said.

The UNO said boat fares had not yet been finalised because water levels remain too low for regular operations.

The rates will be fixed after consultations with stakeholders once navigation becomes fully operational.

He added that roads along the haor, which were recently used by farmers for drying and threshing paddy following the early floods, are being cleaned to prepare for the arrival of tourists.

“The administration remains vigilant to ensure the safety of visitors, maintain law and order and prevent any form of harassment,” he said.

Despite the current slowdown, local residents remain hopeful that adequate rainfall in the coming weeks will restore water levels, revive boating activities and bring back the thousands of visitors whose spending sustains the economy of Nikli Haor during the monsoon season.