According to media reports, numerous vacation centers or resorts have mushroomed like wild fungi around Bangladesh’s largest lake, Kaptai, and along the banks of the Karnaphuli River.
Alarmingly, most of these resorts have not obtained the necessary approvals from the district administration, district council, Department of Environment, or the Fire Service. Such unregulated construction poses a serious threat to the natural environment and increases the risk of disasters like landslides and fires.
There is no definitive list available with any government agency detailing how many resorts have been established in Rangamati Sadar and surrounding upazilas.
However, it is estimated that at least 20 resorts have been built in the past 5 to 10 years — 15 along the shores of Kaptai Lake and five by the Karnaphuli River. A clear disregard for environmental clearance and fire safety certification is evident.
Allegations have surfaced that many of these resorts were built by illegally cutting hills and encroaching on riverbanks. Waste management is also severely neglected, with plastic waste and garbage being dumped indiscriminately, causing environmental pollution.
The authorities' apathy in this regard is deeply concerning. A senior official of the district administration has admitted that none of the newly built resorts have obtained licenses because they failed to submit the necessary documents.
Yet, no visible or effective action has been taken against these illegal activities. Resort owners, citing various excuses, are unwilling to obtain the required permits — an attitude that is entirely unacceptable. According to the conditions of environmental clearance, no activities of any establishment should pollute the environment (air, soil, water, or sound).
The use of single-use plastics — such as disposable plates, cups, caps, food packets, and plastic bags — is strictly prohibited. But these rules are being blatantly violated. If laws and regulations are not enforced, what purpose do they serve?
Bangladesh’s Hotel and Restaurant Act and its associated regulations clearly state that anyone intending to operate a rest house, guesthouse, hotel, or motel must obtain a license from the district commissioner.
While we do not oppose the growth of the tourism industry, it must be brought under proper regulation to ensure that it does not negatively impact the environment. One of the key fire safety requirements is to conduct regular fire drills and equip every cottage or room with a separate 5-kg fire extinguisher.
None of these rules are being followed; instead, hills are being cut and rivers encroached upon, destroying environmental balance. Such lawlessness must not continue.
In truth, to preserve the natural beauty and diversity of the hills, these unplanned and illegal structures must be shut down immediately. Any environmentally destructive activities carried out in the name of tourism must not be allowed to continue, regardless of their location.
To protect the natural balance of Kaptai Lake and the Karnaphuli River — and ensure the safety of tourists — all relevant authorities must take strict and coordinated action. Otherwise, the region's natural environment will soon suffer irreparable damage.
