Rangamati, Aug 10 (V7N) — Kaptai Lake, one of Bangladesh’s most prominent tourist destinations in the southeastern hill district of Rangamati, is facing growing concerns over excessive noise from tourist boats.
Known for its expansive waters, surrounding hills and natural beauty, the lake attracts visitors from across the country throughout the year. However, residents and local observers say the increasing use of powerful sound systems on motorised tourist boats is disrupting the tranquillity of the area and affecting the daily lives of people living along the lake.
Over the past week, several boats have reportedly been operating with high-powered speakers and playing music at excessive volumes while travelling through different parts of the lake. Local residents allege that groups of young people have been responsible for some of these incidents, creating what they describe as an increasingly disorderly atmosphere.
Residents say the sound carries considerable distances across the water, making it difficult for people living near the lake to study, rest or carry out their normal activities, particularly when loud music continues for extended periods.
“Tourists have every right to enjoy themselves, but that enjoyment should not come at the expense of other people’s peace and normal life,” a local resident said.
The issue has also raised questions about the potential impact of excessive human-generated noise on the lake’s aquatic environment. Kaptai Lake is an important source of fish and supports the livelihoods of communities directly and indirectly dependent on its fisheries.
Fishing in the lake is currently under a seasonal ban, which is scheduled to end in the coming days. The period is considered important for protecting fish stocks and maintaining breeding conditions. Against this backdrop, local residents and environmental observers are calling for greater control over unnecessary noise and other disruptive activities on the water.
Studies on aquatic environments have indicated that persistent human-generated noise can influence the behaviour and movement of aquatic animals. However, the extent of any such impact on Kaptai Lake would require specific scientific assessment. Local environmental concerns therefore centre on the need to minimise avoidable disturbances, particularly during ecologically sensitive periods.
The complaints are not entirely new. Local residents and concerned citizens have previously raised the issue of loud music on tourist boats at meetings and public forums involving the Rangamati district administration.
Authorities have also taken action in the past. Administrative drives and mobile courts were reportedly conducted against excessive music and other violations on the lake. While such measures brought temporary relief, residents say the problem has resurfaced.
Rangamati’s tourism economy is closely linked to Kaptai Lake. The authorities have a responsibility to ensure that visitors can enjoy the area safely while also protecting the interests of local communities and the environment.
Residents say loud music, excessive shouting and alleged disorderly behaviour from some boats can undermine the peaceful atmosphere that attracts tourists to the region in the first place. They are particularly concerned about the effect on families living beside the lake and visitors who come specifically to experience its natural surroundings.
Local community members are now calling for stronger and more consistent enforcement rather than occasional drives. They have urged the authorities to strengthen monitoring of tourist boats, regulate the use of high-powered sound systems and take action against operators who violate existing rules.
They also believe boat owners and operators should play a greater role in preventing excessive noise and maintaining responsible tourism practices. A coordinated monitoring system could help identify violations and ensure that restrictions are enforced consistently across the lake.
Kaptai Lake remains a major tourism asset for Rangamati, and local stakeholders broadly support the continued growth of tourism in the area. But they say tourism development must not come at the cost of environmental protection, fisheries or the quality of life of communities living around the lake.
For many residents, the question is no longer whether tourism should be encouraged, but how it can be managed responsibly.
As Kaptai Lake continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors, local communities are urging the authorities to ensure that the lake remains a place where people can enjoy nature without excessive noise and disorder. They say timely and effective enforcement will be essential to maintaining a balance between tourism, environmental protection and the rights of local residents.
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