Eco-tourism project at Chalan Beel to begin soon: Afroza Khanam

SIRAJGANJ , Aug 8: A feasibility study for an integrated eco-tourism project around Chalan Beel will begin soon, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said on Saturday.

She said Chalan Beel, the largest wetland in Bangladesh, has enormous tourism potential because of its natural beauty, biodiversity and historical significance.

The vast wetland stretches across parts of Sirajganj, Natore and Pabna. Several historical and archaeological sites are located in the areas surrounding the beel, while its diverse ecosystem is considered an important national resource.

“Chalan Beel is a promising tourism destination. The government is taking various initiatives to develop its tourism potential and make it more attractive and suitable for visitors,” the minister said.

As part of the initiatives, the government has planned an integrated eco-tourism project covering the Chalan Beel area.

A feasibility study will be conducted before the project is implemented to assess its potential, environmental impact, infrastructure requirements and other relevant issues, she said.

“The feasibility study for the integrated eco-tourism project will begin soon. The project will be implemented after the feasibility assessment is completed,” Rita said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting at the hall of Dobila Islampur Degree College in Tarash Upazila on Saturday morning.

She had earlier visited the Chalan Beel area in Mannannagar.

The minister said the government wanted to promote tourism while preserving the wetland’s natural environment and biodiversity.

The project, if implemented properly, could create new opportunities for local communities and contribute to the region’s economy, she said.

Former Tarash Upazila BNP president SM Afsar Ali chaired the meeting.

Sirajganj-3 lawmaker Mohammad Aynul Haque, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation Chairman Mohammad Shamimuzzaman and Tarash Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nusrat Jahan, among others, attended the meeting.