Sajek Valley in Rangamati is grappling with a severe water crisis, adversely impacting its resorts and business establishments.
The Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners Association has reported that the crisis, which commenced on Saturday afternoon, has escalated significantly since Sunday. The influx of tourists, drawn by the extended closures for Eid and Bengali New Year, has overwhelmed the valley, exacerbating the existing water shortage and posing challenges for managing the heightened demand.
Matijoy Tripura, the joint general secretary of the association, revealed that water is being fetched from a source located five kilometers away from Sijok Chora. The surge in tourist arrivals during the prolonged Eid holidays, coupled with the dry season conditions, has further aggravated the scarcity. Visitors have been urged to use water judiciously since Sunday.
Tripura also highlighted the predicament faced by tourists arriving without prior room bookings. Many were compelled to return on Saturday morning, while those arriving later had to seek lodging in various households due to the lack of available accommodations, exacerbating the water crisis.
Representatives from the Chakma community responsible for water supply indicated that the surge in tourist numbers necessitates around 160 to 170 water vehicles daily. However, due to dwindling water sources, only 60 water vehicles were dispatched from Sunday morning until noon.
Sajek Valley boasts approximately 120 resorts and numerous small and large businesses, with the capacity to accommodate around 3,000 overnight tourists. Unless substantial rainfall occurs, the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future.
