Mohammad Sohel :
The unprotected embankment in the western part of Matarbari Union in Cox’s Bazar’s Maheshkhali Upazila has once again been destroyed by tidal water. The tidal water has entered the locality over the broken embankment and geobags, flooding a vast area. Locals complain that despite spending huge amounts of money in the name of renovation over the years, the livelihoods and settlements of about 80,000 people are at extreme risk today due to the failure to build a sustainable embankment.
According to local sources, the first embankment was built in Matarbari in 1985 on the initiative of the then chairman Mostaq Ahmed. Later, major renovations were carried out around 2001, but since then, repair work has been going on in various parts almost every year. However, the embankment in the western part has gradually become weak due to the lack of a permanent solution.
Recently, it has been seen on the ground that due to the rough sea and the tidal water of 4 to 5 feet higher than normal, the water overflowing the broken embankments and geobags is entering the locality. As a result, the residential areas, fish enclosures and agricultural lands are being submerged in salty water. The situation is especially worrying in the areas of Sitepara, Jelepara, Khandarbil, Rajghat, Nayapara and Jaliapara.
Locals claim that for more than two decades, about 5 kilometers of embankments in the western region have been in a seriously risky condition. Despite the loss of property worth crores of taka every year during the monsoon and disaster seasons, no effective initiative has been taken to build permanent and sustainable embankments. Even though temporary repairs are made with geobags, they cannot survive during the tide or cyclone.
Locals complain that a large area of ​​Matarbari Union has been flooded in the last few major floods and tidal waves, causing extensive damage. Due to salt water, agricultural land production is decreasing, fish ponds are being destroyed, and many families are losing their homes and living in inhuman conditions.
Local member Mohammad Ali said that hundreds of families have already lost their homes in Sairar Dale. Many are living in the shelter of relatives or in rented houses elsewhere. Many are living in temporary houses under the open sky or in risky places. New families are being displaced every day.
Matarbari Union Parishad Chairman S.M. Abu Haider said that the matter has been informed to the administration, Water Development Board and the concerned department several times. But no visible and effective permanent initiative has been taken so far. If urgent action is not taken, there is a danger that a larger part of Sairar Dale will disappear into the sea in the next few years.
Kamal Hossain, a resident of North Saira’s Dail area, said, “Earlier, the sea was far away. No visible and effective permanent initiative has been taken so far. If urgent measures are not taken, there is a danger that a larger part of Saira’s Dail will disappear into the sea in the next few years.”
Kamal Hossain, a resident of North Saira’s Dail area, said, “Earlier, the sea was far away. Now, the intensity of the tide has increased a lot in the past few years. The water is now three to four feet higher than the height of the tide used to be.”
Local resident M.A.K. Rana said, “Different authorities have visited the area several times in the last 15 years. But no realistic initiative has been taken. If urgent repairs are not made, we will face major losses in the current monsoon season.”
The coastal residents claim that it is not possible to protect the lives, property and economy of the people of Matarbari without building a modern and sustainable embankment instead of temporary repairs. Therefore, they called for taking urgent and effective steps before possible major natural disasters.
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