Structures being built on Kuakata-Gangamati slopes felling trees

Structures are being build on sloped of Kuakata embankment slopes after felling trees.

Patuakhali: Structures are being erected without hindrance on the slopes of the Kuakata-Gangamati embankment after cutting down trees. Locals allege that although this encroachment is taking place in broad daylight, neither the Water Development Board nor the Forest Department is taking any action—for reasons that remain mysterious.

Previously, compensation amounting to Tk 7 crore 31 lakh 65 thousand 637 was paid to remove 673 structures that had been built by encroaching upon the Kuakata embankment slopes. An initiative was launched in 2019 to reshape, beautify, and protect a 39-kilometer stretch of the Water Development Board’s Polder No. 48 embankment from sea erosion, all in the interest of the Kuakata-Gangamati tourism zone.

Subsequently, with World Bank assistance and an expenditure of approximately Tk 150 crore, the 39-kilometer embankment underwent repair, reshaping, and beautification. Concrete blocks were installed along the seaside of the embankment near Kuakata Beach to prevent erosion. Afforestation was carried out on both the river-facing and land-facing sides of the embankment, and grass cover was established. Yet, the construction of new structures on the embankment slopes has begun again. At least two hundred structures, both large and small, have already been erected.

Beyond preserving the beauty of the tourism area, these embankments play a crucial role in protecting the lives and property of people in Latachapli Union, Kuakata Municipality, and parts of Dhulasar Union. However, due to the mysterious indifference of the Water Development Board and the Forest Department, trees are being felled to make way for new structures. An influential group is acting as a shield for these encroachers.

Hundreds of structures have already been erected on the river-facing side of the embankment, stretching from Mirabari to Jhaubagan near Kuakata Beach. Construction work on various structures is still underway in the area extending from the Gangamati Bridge to Dholair Market. It appears as though neither the Forest Department nor the Water Development Board bears any responsibility regarding this matter.

Md. Shah-Alam Bhuiyan, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board (Kalapara region), stated that public announcements have been made regarding the removal of structures erected near Kuakata Beach. Additionally, necessary measures are being taken to remove the structures at Dholair Market.

Yasin Sadek, Kuakata Municipal Administrator and Assistant Commissioner (Land), stated that necessary steps have been taken to remove these structures. - Gofran Palash