Kuakata under threat of losing tourism potential due to pollution, mismanagement
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One of the biggest tourist spots in the country is under threat of plastic and sound pollution due to uncontrolled tourism, according to a report by the Marine Journalists Network.
At least 50,000-60,000 tourists visit Kuakata every week during the tourism season without having any effective management to control the rush.
According to the organisation, 22 of its members observed Kuakata on January 5-6 and interviewed local tourism personalities, tourists, public representatives, journalists and collected information from the internet.
The report was later prepared in collaboration with three professional researchers and released online on Thursday.
Despite the huge presence of tourists, there is no effective system for their accommodation, food and waste management, while 90 per cent of the plastic used by them are thrown on the beach every day.
According to statistics, at least 200 motorcycles, carrying tourists, ride to Kuakata every day, killing at least 6,000 crabs by crushing them under their wheels.
The report also cites deforestation, evictions, loss of settlements and threats to fisheries in Kuakata.
The network demanded the ban of entry of plastic-wrapped products at the beach, eviction of tong shops built on the beach, and sound pollution.
Mokhlesur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Tourism Foundation said that tourism in Bangladesh is basically unjust, and that is why tourism cannot be branded in Bangladesh.
The tourism crisis in our country is mainly due to the lack of coordination and indifference of various government agencies, and political commitment is needed for eco-friendly tourism in the country, he added.
Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA) Joint Secretary Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder said the environmental disaster that people are facing in Kuakata is not natural but the contribution of people who visit the area.
If the recommendations of the report are not taken into account, Kuakata will soon face a massive environmental catastrophe, he added.