Tourists flock to Sylhet's Lakkatura tea garden as CNG fare chaos causes suffering

The number of visitors has risen at the Lakkatura tea garden area in Sylhet. According to local sources, the arrival of sightseers coming to enjoy the garden's green surroundings has created something of a surge in the area.

Alongside the increased tourist arrivals, however, complaints have also emerged about travel difficulties. In particular, people visiting the area are speaking of chaos over the fares of CNG-run auto-rickshaws.

According to the complaints, with no enforced fare list in place, drivers are demanding whatever fares they wish from passengers. The allegation is that this tendency grows worse whenever tourist crowds increase.

Because Lakkatura tea garden lies close to Sylhet city, many people choose the area for short trips. As more families arrive for outings, pressure also grows on the local roads and vehicles.

Visitors from outside the area are suffering the most from the fare disorder. Without a clear idea of local fare rates, they often end up having to pay whatever is demanded.

Local people say that as Lakkatura's reputation as a tourist spot grows, bringing discipline to its transport arrangements has become essential. Without fare-setting and monitoring, the visitor experience could be harmed.

Demands have been raised for fare lists to be displayed at designated points for tourists' convenience and for monitoring against overcharging. Those concerned believe such steps would reduce visitors' suffering.

Tea-garden-centred tourism also has a positive effect on Sylhet's economy. Rising visitor numbers create income opportunities for local shops and the transport sector, although the fare complaints are putting that potential into question.

All in all, while the tourist surge at Lakkatura signals the area's growing appeal, it has also brought to the fore the need for prompt management initiatives to remove the travel suffering.