Once famed for its vibrant water lilies, Lal Shapla Beel in Sylhet's Jaintapur upazila now struggles under invasive water hyacinth, leaving locals and nature lovers frustrated with the committee entrusted to safeguard it.
Formed by the upazila administration, the Red Lily Protection Committee has come under fire as residents witness the gradual disappearance of the iconic red lilies that once painted the Dibir Haor region in breathtaking shades of ruby.
The region, comprising Yam, Harafkata, Dibi and Kendri beels, together creates the naturally sculpted Lal Shapla Beel, sprawling over approximately 900 acres.
The wetland first captured national attention in 2016, drawing tourists both domestic and foreign, enchanted by the dazzling spectacle of red lilies swaying over its serene waters.
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Today, however, large swathes of Yam Beel, a prominent section of Lal Shapla Beel, are smothered by the relentless advance of water hyacinth, prompting fears that the ‘Red Lily Beel’ may soon be forgotten, replaced by a sea of invasive greenery.
The committee was supposed to identify problems and work with the administration to preserve the red lilies and control aquatic plants, lamented several local residents and nature lovers, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Instead of red lilies, they said, hyacinth flowers are now blooming, ruining the beauty of the wetland.
Locals have proposed a pragmatic measure to fund the beel’s upkeep: levying a Tk 100 fee on tourist boats, which could be used to finance regular cleaning drives and maintenance efforts to remove the invasive plants.
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They also urged the authorities to undertake an immediate environmental survey, warning that inaction may transform the beloved Lal Shapla Beel into a cautionary tale of neglect.
When approached for comment, Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) George Mitra Chakma acknowledged the issue, noting that he had not received prior reports.
“We will take initiatives to remove the water hyacinth and protect the red lilies after discussing the matter with the conservation authorities,” he assured.
As the waters of Lal Shapla Beel shimmer under the fading light, the fate of its crimson jewels hangs precariously, locals said.
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They said without swift action, one of Sylhet’s natural treasures risks being lost beneath a blanket of green, its fiery blooms reduced to memory.