The water supply to tourist cottages in Sajek, under Bagaichari upazila of Rangamati, has been cut off.

The water-supply business has become lucrative in the area as it is not connected to the electricity grid, and water is supplied by open-back SUVs.

Tourist spots have seen a surge in water-related businesses, but without supply of running water tourism businesses are on the verge of shutting down with owners stopping advanced bookings.

Speculations are rife among resort owners that the water supply has been cut off to shutter their businesses and curtail increasing tourism.

"Without any reason, the water supply to the resorts has been cut on the orders of [Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity] JSS-Santu group’s local leader," Sajek Resort Owner’s Association President Suporno Tripura said.

He added that they are contacting the group about this matter.

When asked for a comment, JSS-Baghaichari upazila General Secretary Bara Rishi Chakma said he was not aware of the matter and was busy with election campaigning.

Additionally, PCJSS (Rangamati) General Secretary Nilotpol Kheesa said: "I have not heard about any such incident [water being cut off]."

The affected cottages include Royal Sajek Resort, Meghalay Resort, Himalaya Resort, Garba Resort, Megh Kabbo Resort, Sajek Megh Bilas Cottage, Al Madina Restaurant, Bismillah Restaurant, Mohsin Restaurant, Megh Machang Resort, Megh Punji Resort, Maitree Resort, Dream Sajek Resort, Darjeeling Resort, and Everest Resort and two other resorts.

The tourist spot of Sajek is built over 1,800ft above sea level. The area gets its water from springs at the foothills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.