Photo : BSS

BARISHAL, Sept 10, 2026 (BSS) - Choumatha Lake in Barishal city has taken on a new look with the installation of decorative lotus-shaped lights, adding a fresh dimension to the city’s nighttime beauty.

The newly installed ‘Lotus Lights’ have been placed around the lake. After sunset, the lights illuminate the area, while their reflections on the water create a picturesque atmosphere that is attracting both city residents and visitors.

According to Ahid Murad, assistant engineer of the electricity department of Barishal City Corporation (BCC), BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin took the initiative to modernise and beautify Choumatha Lake after seeing similar decorative street lighting in Ethiopia online.

“Sixteen lotus lights will be installed at Choumatha Lake in phases,” Murad said. “There are also plans to renovate the park, install stylish lights on the banyan tree, create seating areas for visitors, increase greenery and plant different varieties of flowers.”

The latest initiative follows the launch of musical and dancing fountains at Choumatha Lake in May. Since the fountains were inaugurated, the combination of colourful lights, dancing water and music has drawn increasing numbers of visitors to the area.

The addition of the lotus lights has further enhanced the lake’s nighttime appeal.

People visiting the lake in the evening stop by to enjoy the lighting while walking around the area. Families, students and young people are treating the lake as an attractive recreational destination.

Sonia Akter, a visitor, said the environment around Choumatha Lake had improved significantly.

“The lake looks much more beautiful than before. I enjoy spending time here with my family in the evening,” she said. “However, cleanliness, security and seating facilities need further improvement.”

Rabbi, a student of Hathem Ali College, said the lotus lights and fountain had made the lake much more attractive at night.

“The nighttime atmosphere has become very appealing after the installation of the lotus lights and fountains. If regular maintenance and security can be ensured, this place could become a good recreational centre for city residents,” he said.

Residents say the city needs more safe and aesthetically pleasing recreational spaces where people can spend time with their families after busy days. They have called for the beautification of other urban water bodies, including Bibir Pukur and Padma Pukur, alongside the ongoing development of Choumatha Lake.

BCC Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin said the corporation had undertaken the initiative to make Choumatha Lake more attractive and provide residents with a pleasant recreational environment.

Civic observers believe that if the ongoing beautification work is implemented properly and regular maintenance is ensured, Choumatha Lake could emerge as one of Barishal’s most attractive urban landmarks, offering residents a much-needed recreational space as well as enhancing the city’s overall aesthetic appeal.