Plastic bottles, polythene bags and other waste are washing ashore at different points along Cox’s Bazar beach with monsoon tides, raising concerns over marine pollution and the impact on the coastal environment.
This year has been no exception. Large quantities of plastic bottles, polythene and other waste have accumulated at various spots in Himchari, Kakra Beach and Pechardwip Beach after being carried in by tidal water.
Local fishermen say the waste is causing problems not only along the beach but also at sea, where plastic and other rubbish are becoming entangled in their fishing nets along with fish.
Nur Hossain, a fisherman from Pechardwip, said, “Often, plastic waste gets caught in our nets along with fish when we go fishing. It takes extra time to clean the nets, and, in some cases, the nets are damaged. It appears that the amount of waste in the sea is increasing day by day.”
Local fishermen believe that during the monsoon, waste that has accumulated over a long period in the city and surrounding areas is carried into the sea through rivers, canals and drains. Ocean currents, waves and tidal flows then carry the waste to different parts of the coast, where it accumulates.
HM Nazrul Islam, organising secretary of the Cox’s Bazar district unit of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), said that they have observed on previous occasions that plastic waste washed ashore accumulates at different points of Cox’s Bazar beach as well as on nearby islands.
“The nature of the waste suggests that a large portion of it has come from piles of rubbish that had accumulated over a long period around the city, in rivers, canals and drains,” he added.
He also said floating plastic and other waste could accumulate in specific coastal areas due to various natural factors, including low-pressure systems over the sea, winds, water circulation or eddies, ocean currents and water flows. The intensity of tides and waves can later push the waste back onto the beach.
Nazrul Islam warned that the recurring accumulation of waste on the beach could have a negative impact on the tourism industry.
“Besides damaging the beauty of the beach, it will also threaten marine biodiversity,” he said.
He called for the immediate removal of accumulated waste from the banks of the Bakkhali River and surrounding rivers, canals and waterways.
He also stressed the need for effective measures to prevent waste from being dumped into rivers and canals, along with alternative and long-term waste management initiatives.
The recurring arrival of plastic waste on the beach during the monsoon is also causing concern among residents and tourists.
Those concerned say that simply cleaning the beach will not provide a lasting solution. The key to addressing the problem is to stop waste from entering the sea in the first place.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu, Collected
