Severe erosion hits Teknaf Marine Drive amid rising tide, heavy waves

The Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive is once again facing severe erosion as strong waves, driven by a low-pressure system and heavy rainfall, batter the coastline. The rising tide, several feet above normal levels, has intensified wave impact, causing damage along a two-kilometer stretch in Teknaf.

Four critical points along the Marine Drive have suffered erosion, with geo-tube bags placed to protect the embankment now leaking and gradually washing away. Meanwhile, locals are cutting down fallen trees uprooted by the waves and removing them from the site.

Last year, in August 2024, the same area experienced significant erosion during the full moon tide. At that time, the Army’s Engineering Construction Battalion intervened, reinforcing the embankments with geo-tube bags to halt further damage.

Friday afternoon inspections revealed flooding across several sections of the road, with parts of Mundar Deil, Baharchhara, and Shilkhali badly affected. Locals, including Md. Firoz, were observed clearing fallen trees near Sabran Mundar Deil jetty.

“The tide uprooted many trees, and people are taking them away. But I am not personally involved,” said Firoz.

Mohammad Selim, a ward member of Sabrang Union Parishad, noted that the rising tide is worsening the erosion, while geo-bag embankments on the western side are rapidly disappearing. Authorities are investigating reports of tree removal from the area.

Residents blame illegal sand mining by influential individuals for weakening the Marine Drive’s foundation. Unregulated sand extraction has destabilized the road’s base, making it vulnerable to erosion. Additionally, damaged parts of the embankment, which previously acted as natural sand barriers, no longer provide protection, exacerbating the problem.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “We are heading to the site to assess the situation. The Army is responsible for maintaining the Marine Drive, and relevant officials have been informed about the damage caused by wave action. The issue of tree cutting is also being addressed.”