Madhabkunda Eco-Park fails to attract tourists

A view of the enchanting Madhabkunda falls in Baealekha upazila, Moulvibazar. An eco-park was established around the waterfalls at a cost of Tk 3 crore 74 lakh last year. But it failed to attract tourists due to lack of a follow-up project. PHOTO: STAR

This is because of lack of a follow-up project.

Originally, people in greater Sylhet region used come here to enjoy the Madhabkunda falls on the Patharia hills. At one stage the Ministry of Forest and Environment undertook the project to establish an eco-park around the falls to promote tourism.

The Madhabkunda Eco-Park Project was completed at a cost of Tk 3 crore 47 lakh last year. The park was established on 416 acres of land around the falls. Under the scheme, decorative plants like Jhau and Pine were planted and an entrance gate, toilets and a watchtower were erected.

Initially, 17 staff members were employed during implementation of the project. Ultimately, Juri range officials of the Forest Department took over the charge of looking after it.

A hanging bridge and an orchid house were scheduled to be constructed in the Eco-park, but the scheme was abandoned. This is because of lack of a follow-up project.

The banks of the Madhabchhara attracted the visitors. But now the banks are being collapsed. As a result, the place has become risky, specially for children and elderly people.

On contact, Sylhet Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Lasker Maksusudur Rahman said there is no fresh programme for further improvement of the Eco-park. So, the scope for further investment here does not arise, he said.

He further said the land of the adjacent hills of the park is not suitable for constructing a hanging bridge or a rope-way.

In reply to another question, he said the leaseholder is responsible to keep the eco-park area clean.

However, the DFO said there is a plan to construct a fancy wall along the Madhabchhera bank in the next financial to protect land collapse.