Persistent rainfall, high tides and rough seas in recent times have intensified coastal erosion along Kuakata beach, threatening key public and religious establishments as well as the town’s coastal protection embankment.
During a recent visit, this correspondent saw large sections of the beach being washed away by powerful waves, leaving deep craters along the battered shoreline. Concrete blocks installed along the embankment were seen displaced, with cracks developing beneath them, raising fresh concerns over the embankment’s stability.
The most severe damage was observed along the embankment stretching from Kuakata Chourasta to Lembur Bon, particularly near Sunset Point.
Locals said sand has already been washed away from in front of the Jame Mosque near the beach, located east of Zero Point. Visible signs of erosion have also appeared in front of the Sree Sree Radha-Krishna Temple, while the ground beneath the Tourist Police outpost has started to collapse, raising safety concerns.
Md Russell Rumman, a local businessman, said tidal waves now reach much farther inland than they did only a few months ago.
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Long stretches of the beach are marked by erosion-carved cliffs, piles of geo-bags and exposed sand. The photos were taken recently. PHOTO: STAR
“Areas where tourists used to walk comfortably are now filled with large craters. Water is reaching dangerously close to the mosque, temple and police outpost. Unless prompt measures are taken, the ongoing erosion could seriously disrupt tourism, local businesses and livelihoods,” he added.
Engineer Nihar Ranjan Mondal, general secretary of the Sree Sree Radha-Krishna Temple Pilgrims’ Service Centre, said the Bangladesh Water Development Board had been placing geo-bags every monsoon over the past five years to temporarily control erosion, but they had failed to provide a lasting solution.
“The same problem recurs every year. A permanent coastal protection project is essential to save Kuakata,” he said.
Contacted, Md Shah Alam, BWDB executive engineer in Kalapara, said a Tk 759-crore project to protect an 11.2-km stretch of Kuakata beach is awaiting government approval.
“Once approved, the project will use modern engineering solutions to preserve the beach, prevent erosion and ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism area. Meanwhile, emergency repair and temporary protection works are continuing in the damaged sections,” he said.
ABM Mosharraf Hossain, lawmaker for Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali), said a long-term development plan is being implemented to prevent erosion along Kuakata beach, restore its natural beauty, and develop modern tourism infrastructure and facilities, with the relevant ministries working in coordination.
