Once a common sight in the wetlands, canals, ponds, and water bodies of Ashashuni upazila in Satkhira, the vibrant bloom of water lilies—white, red, and purple—used to paint the rural landscape every monsoon. These lilies were more than just a part of nature’s beauty; they were deeply woven into the fabric of village life, evoking emotion and nostalgia. Today, however, this scenic splendor is fading fast.
Due to climate change, unplanned modernization, waterbody encroachment, chemical pollution, and excessive pesticide use, this once-abundant aquatic plant is now on the verge of extinction in Ashashuni. Local residents recall a time when village children would eagerly wade into ponds early in the morning to collect lilies. Mothers would gather the stalks for cooking, while the roots—rich in nutrients—served both as a delicacy and traditional remedy for digestive ailments.
Sitting by a pond or canal and watching water lilies bloom was a cherished experience—an embodiment of rural peace now lost amidst the clamor of urbanization. In areas like Bordal, Khajra, Budhhata, Kadakati, Anulia, Sriula, and Pratapnagar, these lilies have become a rare sight.
According to agricultural and environmental experts, the water lily is not just a flower; it is an ecological indicator of biodiversity. It contributes to the ecological health of wetlands and provides shelter for small aquatic species. The disappearance of water lilies thus signals not only a loss of beauty but also a breakdown in ecological balance.Sajal Kumar Adhya, Head of the Chemistry Department at Ashashuni Government College, emphasizes that if we want to educate the younger generation about nature and preserve rural aesthetics, immediate measures must be taken to protect native aquatic plants.Locals are now calling for government and private initiatives to restore canals and wetlands, prevent chemical pollution, and raise awareness about the importance of conserving water lilies.
To build a sustainable and environmentally friendly Ashashuni, effective policies and active community participation are urgently needed to prevent the silent destruction of nature.
