The Sunamganj district administration issued a notice on Saturday directing tour operators to ensure the safe transport and security of tourists visiting the district's haor (wetland) areas amid rising water levels.

The notice, signed by Additional District Commissioner (General) Motiur Rahman Khan, said water levels in the Surma River and other rivers across the district are continuously rising due to heavy rainfall in Sunamganj and in the Cherrapunji area of India's Meghalaya state. This has increased the risk to boat traffic in the district's haor areas and waterways.

To ensure the safety of tourists' lives and property, the administration directed all houseboat owners, operators, and related personnel to strictly follow seven guidelines until further notice.

Among the directives: boats must not depart with tourists under any circumstances during heavy rain, gusty winds, or hazardous river conditions. Every houseboat must carry an adequate number of standard-quality life jackets, life buoys, and other emergency safety equipment according to its capacity. Carrying passengers beyond capacity is strictly prohibited.

The notice further stated that tourists must be briefed on necessary safety instructions before departure and informed of emergency procedures.

Operators are required to comply with instructions given by the district administration, law enforcement, or other authorities. In case the situation deteriorates or if the local authorities deem it necessary, houseboat operations shall be suspended temporarily as directed.

Many tourists come to Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj during the monsoon season, and many of them stay overnight in boats. Visitors can also visit Niladri Lake, Lakma Chhara, Barikatila, the Jadukata River, and Shimul Bagan.

Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, Assistant Commissioner of the district administration in charge of relief and rehabilitation, said relevant departments have been instructed to monitor the overall situation and maintain necessary preparedness to respond to it.

Source: BSS