Teknaf, July 25 (V7N) — The Teknaf Marine Drive Road, a major coastal highway along the Bay of Bengal in southeastern Bangladesh, is once again facing serious erosion due to high tidal waves and relentless sea activity. Multiple sections of the road have sustained damage in recent days, raising fears of further collapse and damage to surrounding agricultural lands.

According to local sources, areas such as Sabrang Zero Point, Shah Porir Dwip, and Moheshkhali Para Ghat have witnessed renewed erosion as powerful tidal waves continue to batter the shoreline. The surging water is breaching weak points in the embankment, flowing into farmland and destroying crops, worsening the plight of local farmers.

Kalem Ullah, a resident of Sabrang’s Zero Point area, described the situation: “Every time the tide rises, the sea hits the Marine Drive with tremendous force. Even though geo-tube embankments are in place, the road continues to erode. The damage has been most severe this Thursday and Friday.”

A passenger bus cautiously navigates a damaged section of the Teknaf Marine Drive Road, as tidal waves from the Bay of Bengal continue to erode the coastline. (Photo: V7N)

In some areas, erosion has eaten away roughly 100 to 150 feet of the western edge of the road near Zero Point. Residents fear that if the situation continues unchecked, large sections of the Marine Drive could be lost entirely, further endangering transport routes and coastal livelihoods.

This is not the first time the road has suffered structural damage. On May 30, parts of the Marine Drive in Mundar Deil and Shilkhali were severely damaged due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. Though repair work was undertaken, new sections are now under threat.

Ziaur Rahman, Chairman of Teknaf Sadar Union, said, “The worst damage is currently visible in Sabrang and areas toward Shah Porir Dwip. While previous erosion points at Baharchhara and Shilkhali were repaired, new breaches have emerged.”

A fishing boat rests near the eroded edge of Teknaf Marine Drive Road, where tidal waves have breached the coastline and threatened nearby farmland and infrastructure. (Photo: V7N)

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Eheshan Uddin confirmed the issue and stated, “We are aware of the recent erosion affecting parts of the Marine Drive Road. Necessary measures are being taken. Earlier damages in Shilkhali and Teknaf Sadar areas were successfully repaired.”

Local residents and environmental advocates are calling for swift and sustainable action to protect this critical road, which not only serves as a vital communication route but also plays a key role in tourism and disaster response along the coastal belt.

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