Absence of sustainable embankment : 90,000 people in Matarbari at risk
Md Ramjan Ali, Moheshkhali-Kutubdia (Cox's Bazar)
As Matarbari Union is located at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, it faces the brunt of cyclones and disasters daily. The people of Matarbari are the most affected area by various natural disasters.
In Matarbari, a coal power project with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts has been constructed on 1,400 acres of land. It is referred to as mini Singapore. Yet, there is no sustainable embankment, which leaves unprotected Matarbari and nearly 90,000 residents in a state of insecurity. When heavy rainfall occurs and the tidal waters rise significantly during the peak season, panic prevails among the residents of the entire union. Their cries seem to make the sky heavy, and silent tears flow in every household in Matarbari. As soon as the monsoon begins, more than half of the population has to fight against water.
The tidal waters of the sea, the rainwater, and the resulting floods submerge many low-lying areas of Matarbari, including South Rajghat, Bilpara, North Sikdarpara, South Sairardale, and Sardar Para.
Due to the lack of permanent sustainable embankment construction, the people of Matarbari face repeated losses.
Every year, many people in Matarbari lose their lives prematurely due to various natural disasters.
This year, multiple times the embankment has broken, causing extensive damage, and many houses in the western side have been swallowed by the sea.
Ninety thousand people of Matarbari have repeatedly presented their legitimate demands to the relevant authorities, yet no demands have been fulfilled by the concerned department.
Locals report that every year during the monsoon, the embankment breaks, resulting in losses worth crores of taka. Shrimp farms, houses, educational institutions, shops, and roads are submerged in the depths of the sea.
In this regard, Moheshkhali UNO Md. Hedayet Ullah said, he has informed the higher authorities of the relevant department, and they have assured that a quick solution will be provided.
