Parking ban in Lawachhara: A win for wildlife, a headache for visitors

The Forest Department has recently imposed a restriction on parking vehicles of visitors in Lawachhara National Park in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar.

The ban came into effect on October 1 and has been hailed by environmentalists as a necessary step to protect the park's wildlife species.

However, it has caused considerable inconvenience to visitors, many of whom have been left stranded as there is no designated parking area near the park's entrance.

Previously, visitors were allowed to park their vehicles in a space near the main entrance. That facility has now been removed, with a 'No Parking' signboard erected in its place. As a result, vehicles are being parked along both sides of the Kamalganj-Sreemangal road, causing disruption to traffic flow.

Many visitors expressed frustration over the lack of alternative parking arrangements. "We bought tickets and entered the park, only to find that the parking space had been closed. We were forced to park on the road, and some others, unable to find a spot, had to turn back," said Sadeq Ahmed, a visitor.

Visiting the park premises on Thursday, this correspondent, however, saw some visitors continuing to park their vehicles around the entrance, defying the restriction in place.

Sohel Shyam, founder of Stand for our Endangered Wildlife (SEW), expressed concern over the possibility of further deforestation if parking spaces are created within the park, and urged for alternative facilities outside the protected area.

Shamsul Haque, general secretary of Lawachhara Peoples' Forum, said a drop-off point near the entrance could be a feasible solution, allowing tourists to access the park while keeping vehicles outside the sensitive forest area.

Abul Kalam, divisional forest officer in Sylhet, said the restriction was imposed following the ministry's decision to stop parking within the park to protect wildlife and reduce the number of visitors.

He said the main purpose of the no-parking order is to ensure protection of the park's ecosystem.