Bholaganj Sada Pathor regains natural beauty following eco recovery

The Sada Pathor, or white stone, of Bholaganj village under Companiganj upazila in Sylhet has regained its pristine beauty after overcoming six months of illegal extraction and environmental damage, drawing crowds of tourists during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

Crystal-clear water revealing milk-white stones beneath the surface signals that nature is gradually reclaiming its lost splendour. Tourists from across Bangladesh are flocking to the site with their families, soaking up nature’s embrace during the festive break, according to media reports.

Visitors are snapping photographs and taking boat rides to witness the striking underwater scenery. One tourist expressed amazement, “This is my first time here, but it is truly beautiful. I would never have realised how beautiful Bangladesh is without visiting. Steps should be taken to preserve this beauty so we can return time and again.”

Another visitor praised Sylhet’s attractions, saying, “It is worth seeing—not just Sada Pathor, but many places across Sylhet. Sylhet means something extraordinary, especially the white stones.”

Tourism stakeholders have breathed a sigh of relief at the restored landscape. Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and Labour and Employment, outlined plans to enhance Sylhet’s tourism sector while preserving its natural character.

On infrastructure proposals, he said, “Many are suggesting a walkway system, but when the monsoon arrives, these will not hold up. This is natural—better to leave it as it is.”

He added that the government is working to strengthen not only Sylhet but the country’s wider economy and employment sector, assuring that these efforts will continue in the days ahead.

The area is showing vibrant signs of recovery, with swelling crowds soaking in the scenic views. Sparkling stones beneath the transparent water stand as a testament to nature’s resilience after prolonged illegal stone extraction and environmental damage. The entire region has come alive with excitement during the Eid season.

Tourism industry professionals remain optimistic about Bholaganj’s future as a sustainable tourist destination, while keeping ecological balance firmly in mind.

The file photo shows scores of people engaged in looting Sada Pathor from Bholaganj during the previous interim government's tenure when the malpractice continued month after month. Photo: Sheikh Nasir/The Daily Star

Earlier, Bholaganj's Sada Pathor, a broad, shallow stretch of the Dholai River where smooth white stones once lay against the backdrop of Meghalaya's hills, had long been one of Sylhet's top tourist attractions.

But, since the fall of Awami League government and after months of rampant extraction and looting in Companiganj and Gowainghat upazilas during the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s tenure, the area resembled a ravaged quarry -- scarred with pits and mud, with its iconic boulders almost gone.

Environmental groups and locals estimated the plunder is worth hundreds of crores of taka, though there is no official valuation.