At least five deep, channel-like trenches have formed along nearly two kilometres of Cox’s Bazar beach between Sugandha and Kolatoli points following heavy and prolonged rainfall, raising concerns about tourist safety.
The channels have been carved into the sand by torrents of rainwater flowing towards the sea. Besides affecting the natural appearance of the beach, the newly formed trenches pose a potential accident risk to tourists who may be unaware of their presence.
The situation was observed during a visit to the beach from Kolatoli to Sugandha points on Saturday (August 8).
Many tourists, unaware of the channels, were seen facing difficulties while walking along the beach. As the trenches are not always clearly visible from a distance, tourists can inadvertently step into them.
Where the channels have formed
The first channel was found at the main Sugandha point. Similar trenches have formed in front of Seagull Hotel, in front of Hotel Sea Princess on the road from Sugandha towards Kolatoli, in front of Divine Eco Resort and near the main Kolatoli point.
Another channel-like depression has also formed beside Modern Hatchery, after Simon Beach Resort, where rainwater flow has washed away the sand.
Traces of the water flow remain clearly visible at the affected spots. In some places, the sand has been washed away to a depth of several feet. While the areas may appear to be ordinary parts of the beach from a distance, their dangerous condition becomes apparent when approached.
Channels forming along drainage paths
Mahbub Alam, supervisor of beach workers deployed at Cox’s Bazar beach, said heavy rainfall during the recent waterlogging and flooding caused large volumes of rainwater to flow towards the sea through different sections of the beach.
‘Wherever the runoff flowed, it cut through the sand and created channel-like trenches. We have informed our senior officials about the matter,’ he said.
Tourists concerned
The newly formed channels have also caused concern among tourists, many of whom said the sudden appearance of deep trenches had made walking along the beach difficult.
Saimun Islam, who came to Cox’s Bazar from Mirsarai in Chattogram, said, ‘We usually walk towards the waves and take photographs when we come to the beach. But suddenly we found a channel in front of us. While walking, our feet can suddenly sink into the sand. In some places, a significant amount of sand has been washed away. If people are unaware of these places, accidents could occur.’
Hashia Alam, who travelled from Cumilla, said, ‘From a distance, there is no way to tell that a deep channel has formed here. We were walking together and were about to head towards the sea when we noticed the trench. Later, we learned that it had been created by rainwater washing away the sand. The affected areas should be addressed quickly.’
Local visitor Nadia Islam said the condition was both disappointing and potentially dangerous.
“It is particularly risky for children and elderly tourists. There should be proper warning measures in these areas,” she said.
Calls for urgent repairs
The member secretary of Cox’s Bazar Citizens’ Movement said the beach attracts a huge number of tourists every year and that authorities and businesses earn substantial revenue from tourism.
‘These channels form almost every year when rainwater drains into the sea. They are dangerous for tourists, who may fall into them while enjoying themselves. They need to be repaired as soon as possible,’ he said.
He said simply filling the channels with sand would not provide a lasting solution.
‘A permanent solution is needed to address why rainwater repeatedly flows through the same areas and creates these channels every year,’ he said.
Administration monitoring situation
Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman Sayem, executive magistrate of the Cox’s Bazar district administration’s tourism cell, said the authorities were monitoring the situation and warning tourists to avoid the dangerous areas.
‘We have observed the issue. Runoff has created channel-like trenches on the beach. We are initially raising awareness among tourists and warning them so that they do not fall victim to accidents,’ he said.
He said the administration was discussing the matter with the relevant departments, including the engineering authorities, to determine how the problem could be addressed.
‘If we simply fill them with sand now, similar channels may form again when rainwater flows down the beach. That is why we are considering a permanent solution,’ he said.
Recurring problem every monsoon
Locals said that heavy rainfall during the monsoon regularly causes rainwater to flow into the sea through different sections of the beach. Strong currents wash away sand, creating narrow or wide channels. These become more visible once the rain subsides.
Mohammad Osman, a member of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said similar channels had formed at different parts of the beach after heavy rain in previous years.
‘They were later filled and repaired with sand. But the fact that channels keep forming in the same places raises questions about the need for a permanent solution,’ he said.
Tourism stakeholders said Cox’s Bazar beach is one of the country’s major tourist attractions, drawing thousands of people every day and several times more during holidays. They called for the dangerous sections to be identified immediately and appropriate safety measures to be put in place.
Tourists and locals have also called for permanent measures to prevent the recurring formation of the channels, along with warning signs at vulnerable spots, to ensure visitor safety while preserving the beach’s natural beauty.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
