In Kumarkhali, in Dapdapia union of Nalchity upazila in Jhalakathi district, there is a dead branch of the flowing Sugandha river, known to local people as Morgangi.

Surrounded by greenery and filled with birdsong, this dead stretch of the Sugandha at Kumarkhali in Nalchity could become a beautiful tourist spot.

With no current flowing, the place has become like a huge lake. Every winter the water echoes with the calls of many species of birds.

With green all around and flocks of birds floating on the wide water, it takes on a striking beauty morning and evening.

Many people come from far away to enjoy its beauty. But with no management plan, there is hardly anywhere to sit or walk. One end is connected to Ward 26 of Barishal City Corporation, but it has been left out of development.

When the late mayor Shawkat Hossain Hiron had the road on that side paved, communications improved. If some benches for tourists and some electric lights to dispel the darkness at night were provided, large numbers of people could come.

Some plans to attract tourists could also play a big role in the area's economic development. At the urging of local people, social worker Bali Turja has already begun initial talks with the leaseholders about turning the place into a tourist centre.

"Since last year we have been encouraging the leaseholders to make a small investment in this highly promising area. Even with a few benches and lights, many people will come here. The area is always alive with birdsong," he said. "So we are doing our utmost to give people the chance to enjoy this beautiful natural scenery."

Rajib Chowdhury, son of the late Runu Chowdhury of Anurag village and one of the government leaseholders of the water body, said: "We too are thinking of building a tourist spot here." For now, the work on an embankment remains, the report says; once it is finished, they will try to make sure everyone can come with their families to enjoy the natural beauty, every winter.

The report says this offers a promising opportunity for major improvement in the local economy. Union parishad member Sujat Sikder said: "We also want the whole area to develop economically thanks to this place. There is tourism potential here, and if it is managed properly, jobs could be created for many local people. That could bring major socio-economic progress."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.