Ramsagar National Park: An Offbeat Destination In Bangladesh

Overview

The Ramsagar National Park is situated in the Dinajpur District, northwest Bangladesh. With an area of about 68.7 acres, the park contains an immense man-made reservoir at its center. The reservoir’s construction took five years (1750-1755) and was specifically created to provide water to the local inhabitants. Raja Ram Nath initiated the construction idea and mobilized other 1.5 million workers to participate in the project. Since it was all about Nath’s idea, the reservoir was named in his honor. We have numerous varieties of fishes in this lake and several freshwater crocodiles. The site around the lake is generally stunning, with large, beautiful migratory birds.

History and Geography

Ramsagar National Park wouldn’t be a beautiful place if it were not for the tank in the center. It all started on the eve of the Battle of Plassey when Raja Ram Nath came up with the construction idea. Due to the need for water and other developmental necessities, residents in the place supported Nath’s idea and turned out in large numbers. The reservoir is said to be largest in Bangladesh. Despite the tank’s mega size, its construction only took five years, i.e. from 1750 to 1755. It was possible due to a large number of laborers (over 1.5 million) who fully devoted themselves to the project. The tank is the heart of Ramsagar National Park's beauty. The park is situated six kilometers south of Dinajpur town, in the northwest region of Bangladesh in Dinajpur district.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The lake comprises numerous varieties of fish and freshwater crocodiles. Beautiful animals, which tourists like to see, are also found in large numbers around the park. They include Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Hyena, and Sloth Bear. The place around the lake is inhabited by gorgeous birds like; White-Breasted Water Hen, Moorhen, Jacanas, Sand Piper, River Tern and Ringed Plover. The lake at the Ramsagar National Park is always a spectacular sight featured with countless stunning migratory waterfowls during their season of migration. The area around the park is also inhabited by welcoming Bangladeshis from different ethnicities. We have several ornamental and fruitful trees planted in the region by the Forest Department of Bangladesh.

Threat and Conservation

In order to maintain the beauty and integrity of the Ramsagar National Park, the visitors are advised to conserve the place, and avoid pollution as much as possible. Beautiful waterfowls and other animal species around are at risk of extinction due to toxic pollutants released into the small lake and areas around. Residents are encouraged to conserve the environment and protect its integrity by embracing what the forest department of Bangladesh is doing. Visitors are advised to be cautious while touring the areas of the lake. We have merciless man-eating crocodiles along the shores. Since some of the attractive animals within the region are at a risk of being killed unscrupulous individuals, Bangladesh Government has set up several authoritative organizations to be in charge of security.

Tourism

The contribution made by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation in establishing restrooms, picnic corners, children’s playgrounds, and refreshment areas has improved the habitability of the Ramsagar National Park. Visitors can now have a nice time spent looking at the spectacular environment around the park, as well as the animals moving around. The Chital Deer, Blue Bull, Hyena, Wild Boar, and other animals make the place extremely appealing. Even though visitors can tour the Ramsagar National Park on any day, they are encouraged to come somewhere between October and December. Just like any other park around the globe, entrance fees are charged at the entry gate. But tourist should never worry about the amount charged; they are just but peanut amounts.

Written by: A. Benojir, Bangladesh