A bird’s eye view of the historic Kamala Rani Dighi in Baniachong Upazila of Habiganj. Encroachment, excavation, and waste dumping, have placed this reservoir in a dire situation. Photo: Messenger
Illegal encroachment, soil excavation, waste dumping, and complex legal issues have impeded the transformation of Sagardighi, located in Baniachong Upazila of Habiganj District, into a tourist attraction.
This lake, covering 66 acres of land, is recognized as the second-largest reservoir in the country in terms of volume. Locally known as Kamalarani's Lake, it is a natural beauty spot that has historically attracted visitors from various locations to witness its captivating views.
Unfortunately, in recent years, local inhabitants have been exploiting this historic lake, not only through encroachment but also soil excavation and waste dumping, which have had a detrimental impact on the environment. Despite promises from various governments to develop it as a tourism hub, very little real progress has been made.
Poet Jasim Uddin once wrote a poem titled "Kamalarani Dighi" while sitting on the western shore of this lake. It is considered a hidden gem in Habiganj and is known for its enigmatic beauty. Legend has it that King Padmanabha excavated this lake over 66 acres of land and dreamt that unless Queen Kamalabati took a dip in the lake, it would not be filled with water.
The queen eventually followed his advice, and the lake filled up. Subsequently, the lake's name changed from Kamalabati's Lake to Sagardighi due to its vastness.
According to the story of Kamalarani's Dighi, during the rule of King Padmanabha, his beautiful wife Kamalavati, who hailed from the southern Habiganj or Taraf region, gave birth to a son, bringing joy to the state. However, a severe water shortage struck, prompting the king to order the construction of a pond to solve the crisis. Gandamali was tasked with the excavation, but despite his efforts, the water level remained low.
In a prophetic dream, the king was told that if Queen Kamala were buried in the pond, the water would rise. In a selfless act, Kamalavati decided to sacrifice herself to save her people. Following a ceremonial ritual, she descended into the lake, and miraculously, the water began to rise. The lake was named Kamalarani's Dighi in her honor but later became known as Sagar Dighi due to its vast size. This story exemplifies the selflessness and sacrifice of Queen Kamalavati in the service of her subjects.
Kamalarani Dighi is a mysterious and historic attraction that continues to draw tourists from different places daily. During World War II, when Japan and Germany were adversaries, Baniachong became the center of a cultural movement led by poet Jasim Uddin, who resided on the western bank of the lake and wrote the poem "Kamalarani Dighi."
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, during the administration of President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Minister Sirajul Hossain Khan made a solitary effort to fully excavate the lake. On
October 19, 1997, the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, announced the lake's transformation into a tourist center during a public gathering on its bank. However, these promises have not been realized, and the people of Baniachong are still waiting for this development.
Local reports indicate that the lake's shores are gradually eroding, with machines being used to extract soil. Lakeside residents are also disposing of waste in the area, and some are attempting to encroach on the lake further. While people continue to fish in the lake, there has been no concrete action to address these issues. Local residents surrounding the lake have filed a case in court, claiming the land as their property.
When questioned regarding this matter, the newly appointed Upazila Executive Officer, Mahbur Rahman, responded, "I have recently assumed my position. I will promptly investigate this issue and take necessary actions. I've been made aware that residents from the four districts of Dighi have lodged a case in court concerning public inheritance rights, and I will ascertain the current status of the case. Furthermore, I will initiate communication with higher authorities to explore the potential of developing it into a tourist destination."
Messenger/Pabel/Disha
