Tourism in trouble: Water shortage hits Sajek resorts, businesses

News Desk

A water crisis has struck the resorts and business establishments of Sajek Valley in Rangamati.

The Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners Association reported that the crisis began on Saturday afternoon and has worsened since Sunday.

According to the association, with the extended closures for Eid and Bengali New Year, Sajek Valley is currently inundated with tourists, making it challenging to manage the additional influx. Besides, already facing a water shortage, resorts and businesses are struggling to meet the demand.

Matijoy Tripura, joint general secretary of the Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners Association, mentioned that water is being sourced five kilometres away from Sijok Chora. The surge in tourists during the extended Eid holidays, coupled with the dry season, has exacerbated the water scarcity. Tourists have been urged to use water sparingly since Sunday.

He also noted that many tourists who arrived at Sajek without prior room bookings on Saturday morning were forced to return in the afternoon. Meanwhile, those who arrived without bookings in the afternoon had to seek accommodation in various houses due to the lack of available rooms. The influx of tourists has further aggravated the water crisis. Unless there is rainfall, the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon.

Water supply representatives from the Chakma community said that with the presence of tourists, around 160 to 170 water vehicles are required daily. However, due to water sources running dry, only 60 water vehicles were supplied from Sunday morning until noon.

Sajek boasts approximately 120 resorts and hundreds of small and large businesses. The area can accommodate around 3,000 tourists overnight.