Part of Kuakata beach may disappear

A two-kilometre area of the sea beach in Kuakata, the second largest tourist spot of the country with rare scenic beauty, stands threatened due to continuous erosion for the last few months.

The embankment, planted with various species of trees and garden, eco-park and houses, are on the verge of extinction as erosion has taken a serious turn due to monsoon.

A part of a coconut garden of the beach was already washed away by tidal surge two weeks back, said Patuakhali deputy commissioner Md Mansur Ahmed, also the president of Kuakata sea beach management committee.

Some green parks and farms are now under a great threat of erosion and natural disaster, he said adding, "Necessary sustainable measures should be taken as early as possible to save the beach."

Amid the worsening situation, the people of Kuakata Municipality are passing their days in a great worry. Since 2004, many politicians have taken many plans and projects to save the beach, but there has been no development work so far, alleged locals.

Talking to UNB, Md Abul Khayer, executive engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Kolapara, said a project proposal involving Tk 212 crore was sent to the Planning Commission in January this year for its final approval, but the commission recently sent it back.

"As a result, the development works have stopped. But, the repair and development works of the dam have started," he added.

Motaleb Sharif, general secretary of Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said the project 'Kuakata save and development' is a much-sought scheme for the overall development of the tourist spot.

"We're worried as the project is uncertain now," he added.

Former state minister and local MP Mahbubur Rahman said prime minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the authorities concerned for taking necessary measures for the development of Kuakata.

"There's nothing to worry," he said adding that the prime minister will take necessary measures in this regard.