The Tengragiri Ecopark, located in the reserve forest area of Barguna's Taltali upazila, is deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance and renovation.

The boundary wall of the wildlife sanctuary, along with roads and several small bridges over canals inside the forest, are either damaged or in a deplorable condition.

Although the Barguna Forest Department has assured that necessary measures will be taken soon, no visible steps have been implemented to address the situation.

The ecopark, built in the Tengragiri mangrove forest at a cost of Tk 2.64 crore, was developed between the 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscal years under the "Increasing Ecotourism Opportunities" programme of the Ministry of Forests and Environment.

A 4.5-kilometre brick road was constructed within the park, along with 16 wooden and concrete bridges over small canals. Additionally, rest-houses, tube wells, and toilets were built for visitors.

During a recent visit, this correspondent observed that several bridges are on the verge of collapse, posing risks to visitors. The road has numerous potholes, and many bricks have been removed or stolen.

The rest-houses were found in poor condition, with garbage piled up in various spots. The walls of the rest-houses, toilets, and other structures have peeling plaster, and fences meant to protect wildlife such as deer and crocodiles have broken in places.

"There are no bridges at several points over the canals, forcing us to cross on foot. The benches are broken, and the rest-houses are unfit for accommodation," said Md Mahmudur Rahman Hasan, a visitor from Koraibaria, Taltali.

"The broken fences make the park insecure for visitors," added Md Mominul, a visitor from Kuakata.

Md Matiur Rahman, range officer of the Forest Department in Taltali, admitted the poor state of the ecopark. He said much of the damage, including 60 feet of the deer enclosure wall, occurred during Cyclone Remal.

"The authorities have been informed of the damages. If allocations are received, renovations will be carried out to improve facilities for visitors," he said.