The vast wetlands of Satla-Harta in Barishal’s Ujirpur have been blanketed in red, white and blue water lilies. As dawn breaks, tourists flock in droves to witness the stunning beauty of the red water lilies in this “kingdom of lilies.” Riding small boats across the wetland, they take in the flowers’ beauty and snap photos. However, excessive boat fares, the absence of a fixed rate, and a lack of adequate tourist-friendly facilities are causing considerable trouble for women and children.
An on-the-ground visit Wednesday morning, August 19, found visitors arriving at the Satla water-lily wetland from dawn onward. Some came with family, some with friends, and others in groups, touring different parts of the wetland by boat. Alongside enjoying the beauty of the red, white and blue lilies blooming around their boats, many visitors were recording photos and videos on their mobile phones. As the day wore on, the crowds grew larger.
According to locals, the Satla wetlands fill with water lilies every year during the monsoon season, and this year was no exception. Crowds of tourists build up in the Satla area every morning, growing even larger on public holidays. They tour the wetland in small boats, taking in the beauty of the lilies.
However, tourists’ biggest complaint concerns boat fares. Visitors say boats are being rented out for roughly 2,000 taka per hour. This has left many families visiting with children facing added financial strain. They have called for a fixed, reasonable rate for boat fares.
Mithu Howlader, a businessman who came to see the lilies’ beauty, said: “The whole area has become breathtaking with red, blue and white lilies. But charging 2,000 taka for an hour’s boat ride takes a lot of the joy out of it.”
Visitor Dulal Mridha said: “I never would have understood that Barishal had such a beautiful wetland full of water lilies if I hadn’t come here myself. If boat fares were lowered, many more people could enjoy this beauty comfortably.”
Anika Islam, who came with her family, said: “I was mesmerized by the extraordinary sight of the lilies. Lilies all around and such a calm environment — altogether, it felt wonderful.”
It isn’t just boat fares — families bringing women, children and elderly members in particular face greater difficulties. Quality food and accommodation options are also inadequate.
Businessman Kamal Talukder said: “It felt great to come see the lily wetland. But bringing the women in my family, we ran into trouble because there was no washroom, toilet or bathroom facility.”
Banker Sharmin Jahan, a visitor, said: “If the lily wetland were developed into a planned tourist destination, it could bring about a major change in this region’s socioeconomic conditions.”
Located roughly 60 to 67 kilometers by road from Barishal city, Satla wetland takes on a uniquely natural beauty during the monsoon season. The lilies bloom across the wetland during a specific stretch of the year. The flowers are in full bloom in the early morning; as the day wears on, many close up. As a result, the largest crowds of tourists are seen in the early morning.
Locals say the growing influx of tourists has also created income opportunities for local residents in the Satla area. Some operate boats, while others sell food and various goods. These opportunities would grow further if planned tourism infrastructure were developed.
Ujirpur Upazila Executive Officer Md Ali Suja said: “The Satla-Harta water-lily wetland has opened a new door of tourism potential. Development work at the Satla Red Lily Tourism Center has been completed to make the wetland more attractive and tourist-friendly, and it has already drawn a positive response.”
On complaints over boat fares, he said: “A fixed boat fare will be set soon.”
Those involved in tourism say that to make the most of Satla’s natural beauty, what is needed is not just beauty-driven tourism but planned management. If boat fares are regulated, safe boats are ensured, adequate toilets and washrooms are provided, food and accommodation arrangements are made, and tourist safety is guaranteed, Satla could become one of the country’s most attractive rural tourism destinations.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report