Photo : BSS

By Mofazzel Hossain

BARISHAL, Oct 23, 2025 (BSS) - Although it is called Lal Shaplar Beel (Red Water Lily Wetland), it appears as a magical blend of pink and green colors. From a distance, the vast expanse looks like a sprawling blanket of roses and greenery. 

As one approaches, the sight of lakhs of blooming lilies spread across the waters instantly captivates the eyes - leaving visitors awestruck.

Stretching over nearly 10,000 acres of wetlands across Uttar Satla village in Uzirpur upazila and Bagdha and Khajuria villages in Agailjhara upazila, the Red Water Lily Wetland is a natural wonder of Barishal.

Locally known as Satla's Lal Shaplar Beel, this naturally formed wetland draws thousands of visitors every year from all over the country who come to witness its incredible beauty. 

Tourists roam the beel in small boats, capturing photos and selfies to preserve the memory of the mesmerizing scene.

Tourist visits to Satla began nearly a decade ago. Every year, starting from July, the vast wetland fills with floating lilies that remain in bloom till October-November. During this entire period, the Satla-Bagdha road stays vibrant with tourists throughout the week, especially on weekends.

At dawn, Satla Beel transforms into a paradise of beauty. The red lilies rise proudly above their green leaves, glistening in the clear water. 

Egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, drongos, starlings, magpies, and sparrows fill the air with their calls, creating a symphony of nature that instantly refreshes weary hearts. To witness the lilies in their prime, visitors crowd the beel early in the morning.

To enjoy the beauty up close, about 400 boats operate across at least 15 viewing spots. Tourists take boat rides through the heart of the beel, with fares ranging from Tk 500 to over Tk 1,000 per hour, sparking frustration among visitors. 

Many complain that what once cost Tk 200-300 has now soared to Tk 1,000, with some alleging that a "syndicate" has fixed the prices unfairly.

The Lal Shaplar Beel has not only become a tourist attraction but also a source of livelihood for locals. In the absence of formal accommodation facilities, local families have started renting out rooms and boats to tourists, creating new income opportunities.

The once broken Satla-Bagdha road has now been repaired, easing travel difficulties. However, lack of proper maintenance threatens the beel's natural beauty. Local influential groups have started fish farming in the wetland, which is damaging the lilies as the fish feed on them. 

Meanwhile, some boat operators decorate their boats with lilies to attract tourists, and visitors - especially women - often pluck the flowers to adorn their hair.

College student Maria, who came to visit the beel, said, "I live in Barishal and had heard a lot about the Lal Shaplar Beel of Satla. Seeing it in person is amazing. I've never witnessed such natural beauty before. But it's sad that tourists are plucking the flowers - it would be much better if they didn't."

Newlyweds Shahin and Tamanna from Madaripur shared, "We started our journey late at night by bus. All our exhaustion vanished after seeing the beauty of the beel. However, it would be great if there were hotels or guesthouses here for tourists. That would attract even more visitors."

Almost all visitors, including Sanjib and Anjali, have raised concerns about the high boat fares.

"Earlier, we could ride as long as we wanted for Tk 150-200. Now, we have to pay Tk 500 or more just for an hour," they complained.

Boatmen such as Nazrul Islam, Delwar Hossain, and Arif dismissed the complaints, saying, "Many people earn their living from Satla Beel. When there's no work in the fields for three or four months, we earn by taking tourists on boat rides. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, and the earnings from those days help us sustain our families for the whole week. Considering current prices, the fares are reasonable."

Uzirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ali Suja said that several development projects are ongoing to preserve and enhance the beauty of the beel.

"A rest house and landing jetty have already been built for visitors, and more works are underway. We expect these will further increase tourist arrivals," he added.

Barishal Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Delwar Hossain said, "We've improved the rest areas and jetties around the beel. Instructions have been given to the LGED to fix road issues to ease visitor access. Hopefully, all development work will be completed soon."