The Sonakata Eco Park in Taltali Upazila, Barguna, established within a reserved forest, is in a state of disrepair due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance. Broken roads and unfinished bridges add to the challenges faced by visitors, resulting in declining tourist interest and loss of government revenue.

According to the Forest Department, the eco-park was developed in the Sokhina Beat of Tengragiri Reserve Forest under the Eco-Tourism Opportunity Enhancement Program. During the fiscal years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, the Ministry of Forest and Environment spent approximately 2.63 crore BDT on the project, spanning 634 acres. Facilities included picnic spots, 16 wooden bridges over canals, 4 deep tube wells, restrooms, and 4.5 kilometers of brick roads. However, in the 12 years since its establishment, no visible renovations have taken place.

Current State of the Eco Park

A visit to the site reveals the following issues:

Bridge Construction Stalled: Visitors face significant inconvenience due to an unfinished bridge at the entrance. Some risk their lives using dinghies to cross the canal, while others turn back.

Damaged Infrastructure: Wooden bridges are unsafe, brick roads are worn out, and tube wells and restrooms are broken and unusable.

Wildlife Enclosures Deteriorating: Iron grills around enclosures are rusted and collapsing, leaving wildlife such as deer, crocodiles, and monkeys at risk.

Unsafe Conditions: Crocodile breeding centers are in precarious conditions, and walking paths within the park are hazardous.

Shamim Hossain, a tourist from Dhaka, highlighted the risks involved in reaching the park, stating, "Crossing the canal in dinghies is life-threatening, and enclosures for wildlife are poorly constructed with low-quality materials."

Nazmul Alam, an engineer visiting from a private organization, expressed disappointment: "The park lacks basic amenities such as safe drinking water and functional restrooms. The wooden bridges are in ruins, and the animals appear malnourished."

Local and Expert Reactions

Environmental activist Arif Rahman noted that the eco-park once attracted a large number of tourists, but mismanagement and neglect have reduced its appeal, leading to a loss of government revenue. He urged the authorities to take immediate action to restore the park's potential.

Authorities Respond

Taltali Range Officer Md. Motiar Rahman confirmed that the Forest Department has informed higher authorities about the need for repairs and hopes for prompt action.

Newly appointed Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salma assured that she would visit the eco-park and take steps to make it more tourism-friendly.

The Sonakata Eco Park, often referred to as the "Second Sundarbans," holds immense potential as a tourist destination. Timely restoration and modernization could not only preserve the area's rich biodiversity but also boost tourism and government revenue.

END/MRB/DHK/RH