Scenic Kuakata loses beauty

Two local traders have allegedly built over 50 tin-sheds on Kuakata beach and rented those to small traders who run cheap hotels, restaurants, tea-stalls and handicraft shops.

The tin-sheds are divided into two markets, Sarder Market and Sunrise Market, near Zero Point.

Locals said the owners of the markets started building the tin-sheds over two weeks ago and rented them to traders to earn money during the tourist season (November to April). Ras Mela will also take place on November 22 and many tourists from home and abroad will visit Kuakata to enjoy the festivities, they added.

Md Masud, who rented a shed to set up a roadside hotel, said the houses are very risky as they are built on the sandy beach on concrete pillars without any support and are made with wood and tin. The sheds could be blown away by a strong wind at any time, he added.

President of Kuakata Municipality unit of Sramik League Kazi Abbas Uddin alleged that the owners of Sarder Market and Sunrise Market are earning money by illegally building houses on the beach, which spoils the natural beauty of the area.

These houses also threaten the natural environment and create a nuisance for the tourists, he said.

Abul Kalam, a tourist from Barishal, said they have to face problems walking on the beach due to the sheds.

The owners of the markets claimed that they built those on their own land, but locals said the claims are false.

Sajedul Alam, owner of Sarder Market, said he is not building the houses illegally as they are on his own land.

“I started building the houses after taking permission from the court, where a case is pending to settle ownership of the land,” he added

This correspondent requested him to show the order given by the court but he refused to show it. 

The owner of Sunrise Market declined to make any comment on the erection of sheds on Kuakata beach.

Locals said the alleged occupiers planned to build over 100 sheds on the beach to earn money during the Ras mela and the tourist season.

Kuakata Municipality Mayor Abdul Bareq Molla said he has informed the higher authorities about the matter.

Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Tanveer Rahman said he does not know about the matter. “If anyone builds houses on the beach or khas land, we will take legal steps immediately,” he said.

Patuakhali Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md Mamunur Rashid said he does not know about the matter. “We will take legal steps to remove all illegal structures from the beach,” he added.