Kuakata beach protection dam at risk due to continuous erosion

Continuous erosion threatens Kuakata Sea Beach

Patuakhali: Kuakata beach protection dam is gradually becoming at risk due to continuous erosion of the sea. Due to the fierce sea, the CC (concrete) block of the embankment built to protect Kuakata city has shifted, threatening the dam to collapse. Locals complain that various parts of this protective infrastructure, built at a cost of hundreds of crores of taka, are at risk before its work is completely completed.

It is learned that soil and sand have shifted from under the CC block in several places from Kuakata intersection to Lembur forest, threatening the collapse of the embankment. The situation is especially worrying at Sunset Point adjacent to Dakhil Madrasa in Kuakata Islampur and next to Orka Palli in Ashighar area.

Locals and tourism stakeholders say that it is not possible to protect the Kuakata protection dam in the long term by installing CC blocks alone. In addition to controlling the water flow of the Andharmanik and Rabnabad rivers, effective groyne dams must be built. Otherwise, there is a risk of repeated damage to the infrastructure built at a huge cost.

Local news worker Anwar Hossain Anu claims that if a long-term and integrated plan is not adopted to protect this coastal tourist center, the risk of sea erosion may increase further, which will have a negative impact on tourism, business and local public life.

Kalapara Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md. Shah Alam said, 'A development project worth about Tk 759 crore is awaiting approval in an 11.2-kilometer area of Kuakata beach. At the same time, work is also underway on alternative plans to repair the damaged parts and prevent erosion.' - UNB