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Padmo Beel, a little known tourist spot

MINTU DESHWARA, back from Baniachong
Padmo Beel, a natural water body adorned with innumerable lotuses, adds to the tourist attraction in Baniachong upazila of Habiganj, a district noted for a wide range of natural beauty, including extensive tea gardens, Laksmibawar Jolarbon and famous Kamalarani Dighi.
Until recently, the water body near Murar Abda village under Pukra union of Baniachong had very little familiarity outside the locality.
"Padmo Beel is now one of the most fascinating tourist spots in the district The sur-
rounding areas are mostly under water,” said Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, Habiganj unit
"Unfortunately, many tourists pluck lotuses while visiting the spot. If it continues, this place will lose its lustre. The government should take necessary measures to conserve natural environment of Padmo Beel," he added.
The area has some special characteristics with availability of some aquatic trees and animals, locals said during this correspondent's recent visit to the area.
Hundreds of visitors including students from across the region come to enjoy the
beauty of the wetland, appropriately named Padmo (lotus) Beel, as blooming flowers on a vast area offer a captivating sight.
"I learned about Padmo Beel from a Facebook post, but seeing it with my own eyes makes this trip worthwhile. The beauty of these lotuses cannot be expressed in words," said Swapon Nayek, a student of Asian University in Dhaka.
"Taking a boat ride to Padmo Beel was an exciting way to enjoy the natural beauty with my family. The blooming lotuses amid the beautiful environment made the journey even more memorable," said Sumona Rani Das, a visitor.
Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Mahmudul Kabir Murad said he recently visited the area and the district administration is taking necessary measures to conserve the Padma Beel.
Monir Mia, an auto-rickshaw driver at Habiganj bus stand, said, "This beautiful place is yet to get enough familiarity among tourists in Habiganj. And so, we get only a small number of passengers."
The spot is about six kilometres from Habiganj town. After reaching Balikhal river area beside Habiganj-Baniachong Road, visitors can hire a local boat that needs 20 to 25 minutes to reach Padmo Beel, he added.