The new look of the environment and nature at Kuakata Sea beach is eye-catching
By Zeba Tarunnum
The Kuakata beach in Bangladesh has been silent during the lockdown. The noise-free beach’s environment and nature seem to have returned to life after being closed for more than two months.
Disappeared sea creepers have grown in their way. Red crab’s artwork is seen all over the beach. The silver oysters are decorated differently.
A resident said the sight of red crabs roaming in the open air is heartening. The entire beach is filled with greenery. Such scenes on both sides of the eighteen-kilometer beach are now catching everyone’s eye.
Since 1st April 2021, the beach has been without tourists due to lockdown. With this opportunity, these tiny creatures have created their world on the beach. The green sea creepers are growing on the sand of the beach as there is no movement of tourists. The swing small green leaves gave a unique look at Kuakata beach. At the same time, the clear seawater is indicating a return to its form.
Fazlur Rahman, beach tour guide, said, “There have been many changes as no tourists visited at the sea beach due to lockdown. It looks great.”
Sagarika Smriti, District Assistant Environmental Researcher, ECOFISH II Project at Patuakhali, said, “the red crabs and turtles, that preserve the beauty of the beach are crushed by motorbikes wheel or the feet of public gatherings.
Therefore, for the safety of red crabs and turtles, we set up a sanctuary with the bamboo fences at two points on the beach, Gangamati and Lemon forests, on 5th May 2021. It has suffered some damage due to Cyclone Yaas. Now we are preparing to repair it again.”
He further said Motorcycling and noise pollution are completely banned in the sanctuary of red crabs and turtles. The sanctuary has been implemented by the combination of Kalapara Upazila Administration, Tourist Police Kuakata Zone, and Tour Operators Association of Kuakata (TWAC).
Motaleb Sharif, general secretary of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said, Kuakata is now like a sleeping tourist area as there is no tourist due to lockdown. However, the steps taken to protect biodiversity are truly commendable.
Anwar Hawlader, Municipal Mayor, Kuakata, said, I have always tried to make Kuakata a tourist-friendly area; several steps have been taken to give this beauty a long-term look.
