Ratargul Swamp Forest

It was somewhat far-famed place a number of years past, however the Ratargul swamp forest is currently a gorgeous holidaymaker destination.

The government is presently performing on a concept to draw additional tourists to the place whereas keeping its forest and diverseness intact.

Ratargul is simply regarding sixteen kilometer off from the Sylhet town, contact 504 acres within the Goainghat Upazila. This swamp had perpetually been there however has gained promotional material as a fascinating holidaymaker retreat over the past 5 years more or less, because of the media.

“The holidaymaker flow to the place has accumulated significantly as a result of the eye it's came the media and social networks,” Rajesh Chakma, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Sylhet forest division.

“This is that the biggest water body within the country; that’s its main attraction.”

Thousands flock to the place daily to ascertain a forest partially submerged for nearly six months a year.

But native individuals say the mounting holidaymaker pressure is telling on the place’s diverseness.

Boatman Sona Mia doesn't approve of the trend. “Tourists area unit everywhere. however can wild creatures move freely?” he asks.

According to the forest department, Ratargul hosts seventy three species of plants, twenty six species of mammals, 9 varieties of amphibians, and 195 species of birds.

One will spot monkeys, venomous and non-venomous snakes, fishing cats, civets and viverrine mammal within the forest tapestry.

Among its winged inhabitants area unit Saras, Dupis, Cormorants, Dahuks, Egrets, Shalik, Oyikka, Crows, Cuckoos, Parrots, Mynahs, Owls, and Eagles.

The government declared Ratargul a Special region Reserve to shield the forest’s setting and scheme.
“Our main aim now could be to ascertain management over this geographical region. At identical time, we tend to cannot forestall individuals from savoring the sweetness of nature. however we tend to should make sure that the forest’s setting and scheme aren't injured,” aforesaid Chakma.

“We area unit attending to draw up a route map for tourists, on the far side that they'll not be allowed to venture.”

Lately, a watch tower has been engineered for his or her profit.

Besides, the native people’s dependence of forest merchandise additionally seems to create a threat. So, the govt. is making an attempt to figure out ways in which to wean them off from the jungle by providing different suggests that of bread and butter.

“Joint management committees of individuals and therefore the government don’t’ exist here. we'll currently type them.”

Commercial resources like cane and different merchandise have already been brought underneath the joint management system. The revenue earned is being divided among the individuals (45 percent) and therefore the government (45 percent), whereas the remaining ten % is spent on forest regeneration.

The main trees of Ratargul area unit Hijalkarach, Banyan, wild Jaam, Latim, and a spread of creepers.

Chakma aforesaid the govt. planned to plant additional trees, filling up the spots wherever the quilt has cut, therefore enlarging the food basket of untamed creatures.

Ratargul had been nonheritable by the govt. as a parcel of forest land by invoking a 1950 land acquisition law. it had been declared a notified forest in phases in 1951, 1966, and 1967.

Much of it had been later became a reserved forest in 1985.