Saint Martin’s Island, the only coral island of Bangladesh, is at the crossroads of transformation into a concrete jungle. The island's stunning natural charm is rapidly succumbing to an invasion of huts and rampant construction, endangering its ecosystem.
Once renowned for its timeless natural allure and serene environment, Saint Martin’s Island is now ensnared in the clamor of countless new and old structures. The cacophony of construction tools has replaced the once harmonious sounds of chirping birds and rustling trees.
In a recent visit, it is found that the island has become a hub for building new hotels, resorts, and huts, particularly in areas like Gula Chippa, Konar Para, Dale Para, South Para, and East Para. Construction of these facilities commenced at the start of the monsoon season and continues unabated.
Some structures, perhaps in an effort to appear eco-friendly, blend exterior designs with wood and thatch, while internally featuring tiles, brick walls, and conventional roofing.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Choudhury emphasized their dedication to preserving the island's environment, vowing to take legal action against those building without proper authorization. He lamented that despite existing laws and prohibitions, there seems to be no deterrent for individuals and organizations constructing huts and facilities on the island.
In the southern region of Saint Martin’s Island, Sunny Twin Beach Resort is nearing completion, although the ongoing work is discreetly concealed behind high tin-sheet fences. Inside, seven resorts and cottages are being actively developed, with a promise of completion next month.
A startling revelation is that Sunny Twin Beach Resort is being constructed within the boundaries of the Marine Park of the Environment Department, a clear violation of regulations.
The Director of the Environment Department, Faijul Kabir, disclosed that illegal resort constructions have been on the rise, with 14 of these establishments served notices for violating the law.
Further north on the island, the Royal Beach Hotel is expanding, adding a third floor to its existing two-story structure. In Konar Para, the Sandy Beach Resort is undergoing construction, using brick and stone to develop additional floors.
Additionally, a large resort and six smaller cottages are under construction on the western beachfront. In Konar Para, work is progressing on a VIP cottage and seven cottages within a single boundary.
Despite existing restrictions on the purchase and sale of construction materials like bricks, stones, and cement, the Union Parishad chairman and members supervise these projects, occasionally procuring additional materials from Teknaf. These materials are subsequently sold to resort owners at elevated costs.
Chairman of the St. Martin Union Parishad, Mujibur Rahman, acknowledged that the demand for construction materials has surged, especially for eco-friendly resort construction compared to traditional brick structures.
Saint Martin’s Island, once an oasis of natural beauty, is now grappling with uncontrolled development, threatening its unique ecosystem. The government, environmental authorities, and local officials are left with the arduous task of balancing development with conservation to safeguard this exquisite island's future.
