About 3 km coastal area to be protected near Parki Beach, Chittagong

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has proposed a Tk 548 crore project to protect around 3 km of coastal area near Anwara’s Parki Beach in Chittagong.

Once implemented, the project is expected to reduce the impact of tidal surges and cyclones, while also protecting Parki Beach, the Karnaphuli Tunnel link road, and nearby infrastructure. BWDB officials say the project is currently in the design preparation stage after necessary reviews and approvals.

Currently, about 7 km of the roughly 10 km coastal belt in Anwara upazila has embankment protection. However, around 3 km from North Paruapara in Raipur Union to the Parki Beach area remains exposed. During the monsoon season, this unprotected stretch faces severe erosion and flooding risks. Local residents fear that continued erosion could cause parts of the coastline to disappear into the sea.

Residents say erosion has been worsening for years. Trees along the beach have gradually disappeared, and nearby fisheries have been damaged due to embankment failure. They believe the new project could help protect both livelihoods and the beach itself.

Local business leaders also say tourism has declined due to erosion, affecting shops and income in the area. They hope the project will help restore Parki Beach’s tourism potential.

According to project documents, the “Parki Sea Beach Conservation Project” will cover about 2.73 km of shoreline. It includes land acquisition of 30.38 hectares, construction of 3.46 km of coastal embankment, 2.73 km of shoreline protection works, a two-vent regulator for drainage, 2.73 km of road construction, and 1.6 km of canal excavation.

The project also aims to improve cyclone resilience, prevent saltwater intrusion, support agriculture, create safer conditions for fishing vessels in Sapmara Canal, expand green belts, and improve tourism facilities.

BWDB Executive Engineer Shawkat Ibne Shahid said the project is currently awaiting final approval. A review meeting was held last November, and design work is ongoing.

He added that the project will focus on protecting high-risk coastal areas from North Paruapara to Parki Beach, along with nearby settlements and key public infrastructure.

If approved, the project is expected to be completed between 2027 and 2029 with full government funding.