Preserve the Environment of Comilla’s Historic Rani’s Dighi Area

 

(Photo: Ranir Dighi in Rainy Season)

I was born in Comilla and have grown up in its air and light. Every person here feels like family to me. This city, given to us by Allah, is peaceful and prosperous in history and tradition. Comilla has a unique culture that spans thousands of years. Each neighborhood and alley in this city tells countless stories and holds pieces of history. Many people have lived their lives here, leaving behind remarkable narratives.

I had to stay away from Comilla for nearly five years for my higher studies. Although my body was at my university, my heart remained in Comilla. My soul wandered through the familiar alleys as if it had never left. I swear by Allah, not a single day passed without Comilla occupying my thoughts. Finally, after completing my studies, I returned to my birthplace. I spent a wonderful year back home.

Every corner of Comilla is beautiful and peaceful. If you visit Kandi Para at night, it feels as though you are walking through the streets of Baghdad from the Abbasid era. However, amid this bustling city, only a few places remain where people can sit and breathe relief after a tiring day. One such place is the historic Rani’s Dighi area, dear to my heart.

Situated in front of Comilla Victoria College’s intermediate section, this enormous pond is surrounded by numerous educational institutions, making it a hub of youthful energy. Young people gather here, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere. Occasionally, I visit this place to experience the warmth of this youthful spirit. Sometimes, I stand at a distance, watching the cheerful laughter of the youngsters. Sometimes, I sit alone on the steps, waiting for someone or wandering.

Once, the banks of Rani’s Dighi were adorned with towering green trees that provided shade. Sadly, those trees have been cut down. The pond has been dried up, though I do not know why. Perhaps some restoration work is being done. But looking at it now, my heart aches—it appears more like a barren field than a pond.

Young people used to sit and chat on the railings surrounding the pond. Someone has now damaged these railings by smearing them with tears. Perhaps they do not want this place to be filled with the cheerful footsteps of young visitors.

Another growing issue is the rise of juvenile gangs. These groups have become a source of disturbance, threatening the safety of people who come to the area for peace. Harassment, fights, armed showdowns, there is no crime they do not commit. With political backing, no one dares to take action against them.

Meanwhile, visitors from different places litter the area with food packets, plastic bags, and other waste, making the environment filthy. The city corporation should install large garbage bins around the pond so that people can properly dispose of their trash.

These issues need solutions. Comilla is no longer the same as before because of the ever-growing population and increasing density in this beloved city. Few places remain where people can breathe freely. If these spots disappear, we will truly have nowhere to go. We will be confined to flats like prisoners. To change this situation, you, I, and all of us must come forward, especially the youth.

Let’s take action to protect Rani’s Dighi and preserve its natural beauty!