Two submarine cables used for supplying national grid electricity through the Sandwip channel are still lying exposed days after emerging from the seabed, with no visible initiative taken for repair or permanent protection, raising concerns among locals.
Due to strong tidal currents and erosion, a section of a 33KV capacity cable emerged from the seabed near Bauria coast, with approximately 40 feet of the cable currently visible, according to relevant sources.
After the incident came to light, people were seen taking pictures and recording videos while standing on the cable, which were later shared on social media. In response, the administration increased police patrols in the interest of safety. However, no effective technical steps have yet been taken to address the main risk.
Executive Engineer of Sandwip PDB Tanvir Ahmed Chowdhury said the matter has been reported to higher authorities. “But we have not yet received any instructions regarding repair or a permanent solution. For now, monitoring is ongoing to ensure safety,” he said.
He added that the general public has been warned about the cable area and guarding arrangements have been made with local administration cooperation.
Sandwip Upazila Executive Officer Amjad Hossain said police patrols have been continued at the request of the PDB, with strict surveillance to ensure no one approaches the cable.
Local residents have complained that guarding alone cannot manage the situation, as the cable is becoming increasingly endangered each day due to tidal currents. They fear a major disaster in electricity supply could occur if technical repair or reinstatement measures are not taken quickly.
The 16-kilometre submarine cable from Sitakunda to Sandwip was installed in 2018, supplying a total of 60 megawatts of electricity through two lines. Currently, Sandwip’s electricity system is largely dependent on this cable.
