Ratargul forest 'under threat'

Despite having the potential to be the hub for ecotourism, Ratargul Forest in Sylhet city is under the threat of losing biodiversity.

According to Ratargul villagers, tourists from home and abroad visit the forest round the year to enjoy its natural beauty but the dry season seems to be popular among them.

So, the excessive pressure of tourists and their noise disturb the calm and quiet environment, forcing the wildlife and birds to flee away, said Saidur Rahman, a boatman who carries tourists.

During a recent visit to Ratargul Swamp Forest, this correspondent noticed that a group of young tourists are causing environmental noise while taking selfies at the watch tower in the forest and a flock of monkeys started running away seeking safer shelter.

The 204-hectre evergreen forest, located in Gowainghat area of Sylhet, is the only freshwater swamp forest in Bangladesh and one of the few in the world.

According to forest officials, once there were about 73 plant species, 20 species of reptiles, 26 species of mammals and 175 species of birds in the forest. Locals said most of the species have already disappeared or become extinct due to food crisis and loss of their habitats. This correspondent found only some small monkeys and one snake in the forest.