Authorities demolished a four-storey resort worth around Tk 60 million in Inani, Ukhiya, on Monday as part of a joint drive against unauthorised hotels and resorts along the Marine Drive.

The demolition was carried out under the leadership of the Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CDA), with officials from the district administration, police, fire service, Department of Environment and other agencies participating.

Authorities said the resort’s owners had been served four notices to remove the structure but had failed to take action.

Around 10 to 12 shops on the ground floor and beside the building were also demolished before workers began dismantling the main structure.

However, the owner, Shahidul Haque, claimed that construction began in 2014 with permission from the union parishad.

He said he had replied to all four notices and possessed documents supporting the construction.

According to him, around Tk 60 million had been spent on the building, which housed shops on the ground floor, a restaurant on the second floor and guest rooms on the third and fourth floors. The resort was scheduled to open soon.

The drive follows growing concerns over the legality and safety of hotels and resorts along Marine Drive after a fire at the Tuptup Resort in Patuartek on October 17 killed 10 tourists.

Authorities have pledged to continue removing unauthorised structures along the coastal road to ensure compliance with regulations and improve tourist safety.