Kuakata's Tk5cr marine drive washed away before inauguration

A significant portion of the under-construction Marine Drive road in Kuakata, Patuakhali — built at a cost of nearly Tk5 crore — has collapsed into the sea even before its official inauguration.

Stretching approximately two kilometres east from the Zero Point of Kuakata beach, the newly-built road has been severely damaged by strong tidal waves triggered by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.

At least three to four segments of the road have been swept away, while protective infrastructure such as the guide wall and pedestrian walkway also collapsed, on spot visit found.

The road — modelled after the Marine Drive in Cox's Bazar — began to cave in at around 10am on Wednesday (28 May) due the high tides, submerging several nearby establishments, including a police box and a street food hub known as Fuchka Market.

Tourist police and local volunteers evacuated tourists to safer areas using loudspeakers.

The Kuakata Municipality undertook the project in 2024 at a budget of Tk 4.86 crore, aiming to promote tourism and enhance the scenic appeal of the Kuakata coastline.

However, allegations of poor construction and mismanagement have surfaced among local residents.

"We're witnessing the misuse of public funds in broad daylight," said local resident Riazul Islam. "This so-called Marine Drive has no reinforcement — no rods, no durable guide walls. It was a superficial construction effort, and now it's falling apart. Stronger waves are inevitable, especially during the monsoon season when the sea becomes extremely aggressive."

Another local, Mizanur Rahman, echoed similar concerns: "There was rampant irregularity under the guise of development. Now we see what kind of work was really done. We demand durable, sustainable construction in this vulnerable coastal area to truly protect Kuakata beach."

Kuakata Municipality Administrator Yasin Sadik was unavailable for comments.

Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rabiul Islam said the authorities will take action. "The contractor's bill and security deposit are still on hold. Compensation will be collected for the damage, and no one responsible will be spared."

Concerns have risen that the entire project might be lost without immediate intervention.

Assistant Superintendent of Tourist Police Habibur Rahman told reporters that they were relocating people to prevent accidents amid the rough weather.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department had earlier warned of tidal surges of 2 to 4 feet due to a deep depression crossing the Bay of Bengal.

Four coastal districts, including Patuakhali, were placed under local alert level three.

Moreover, embankments in 11 points across four upazilas in Patuakhali have broken, flooding low-lying areas and affecting over 20,000 people, reports UNB.

More than 100 fish farms have also been inundated, causing heavy losses.