Durga Sagar

Durga Sagar Dighi or Durga Sagar Lake is a massive marshland located at Madhab Pasha on the Swarupkathi-Barisal highway, just 12 km from the famous Barisal metropolis. The size of the enormous wetland alone is 28 acres and 45.42 acres including shore and land. The account of the everglade dated in 160 AD, when the then King Shiva Narayan had dug a large Dighi (local language instead of Lake) at Madhab Pasha to alleviate the water crisis of the residents. The Dighi was then named the lake Durgasagar after his beloved mother, Rani Durga Devi. To the locals, this Durgasagar is also widely known as Madhab Pasha Dighi.

In previous times, the Dighi/Lake had four Ghats/Stairs at the distinct four sides of the spot which later got covered with wilderness. The lake was then renovated in 1984 at the initiative of the then in charge government and was restored where only two Ghats/Stairs became available at the north and west side respectively. 

Durgasagar Dighi is an aquatic spectacle and is furthermore beautified by a hill or small island in the middle of Dighi where birds of various species find their habitat. The large paved Ghat/Stair on the north side of the lake is surrounded by Coconut, Betel Nut, Mahogany Trees, and many more greeneries. In winter, the wetland is home to countless migrating birds flocking around and highlighting the huge lake. Thousands of about 6 species including 'SARAIL' and 'BALI HASH' are visitants to the Lake every year. This yearly occurrence is finely appreciated and momentously visited by locals and tourists. The chirping of thousands of birds is heard all around and is indeed pleasant to the ears. Numerous people come to see the beauty of the traditional Durgasagar Lake.

At present, the Barisal District Administration is supervising the Durgasagar Dighi under a project called "Development and Bird Sanctuary". The entire lake is well protected and secured to provide a proper and safe environment for the success of the undertaken project. The Dighi is now surrounded by high boundary walls to maintain the safety of the natural habitat in order to create equilibrium in the vast ecosystem of the Lake. It is also to secure the birds and the plants and their species to enhance reproduction. 

In front of the gigantic lake is huge stairways going down to the shore. People often sit there and enjoy the natural view and witness the impressive bird flocks chirping, hopping, and flying around. Varieties of fishes are also nurtured in the Lake. It is one of the perfect places for nature lovers to be and visit. The surrounding areas of the Dighi has now been turned into picnic and recreation spots. The place has visitors on a daily basis without flop, by area dwellers or intercity visitors and tourists.   

The Dighi is well maintained and is kept clean. Various water activities are also permissible such as swimming, fishing. Safety lifebuoys are also on spot in case of any incident.  Expert swimmers and life rescuers are on the spot.  The cost to enter the Lake is only 10 taka per person. Different water activities are of different costs and are worth experiencing. The spot is accessible for seven days from 8 am to 6 pm recurrently.