CDA to build tourist zone along Karnaphuli

Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is set to establish a three-kilometre tourist zone on the bank of the Karnaphuli River in the Bakalia area of the port city.

This initiative will be implemented under a project named "Construction of Road on the Bank of River Karnaphuli from Kalurghat Bridge to Chaktai Khal (Canal)".

CDA's Chief Town Planner Abu Isa Ansaari informed BSS that a walkway will also be constructed over a five-kilometre area extending from Shah Amanat Bridge to Bolirhat.

Additionally, a restaurant catering to tourists and complete entertainment options for children will be built. The funds allocated for this project will be utilised to create various tourist attractions, he noted.

Local resident Jabed Ahmed remarked, "The socio-economic conditions of this area will improve significantly if the tourism zone is established." He further stated that Chattogram and its neighbouring upazilas possess numerous features that appeal to tourists, such as stunning sea views, mountains, mangrove forests, waterfalls and lakes.

A walkway extending over three kilometres from Shah Amanat Bridge to Bolirhat will be constructed, along with a tourist centre on both sides of Marine Drive. Photo: TDS

However, the potential of many tourist sites has largely gone unexploited due to the lack of interest from government agencies.

Architect Shahinul Islam Khan, the former chief urban planner of the CDA, emphasised the necessity for authorities to maintain the cleanliness of the river. He stated that establishing an eco-friendly tourist centre in this area would significantly transform the port city into a genuine tourist destination.

Data from the CDA indicates that the project received approval during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on 25 April 2017.

The construction phase of the project commenced in June 2019 with the initiation of a sluice gate at the estuary of the Chaktai Canal.

Project Director Rajib Das stated, "Upon completion of the construction, this road will link the Dhaka-Chattogram and Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highways via the City Bypass Loop Road and the Oxygen-Quaish Link Road, thereby alleviating traffic congestion within the city."

He further explained that vehicles arriving from Kaptai, Rangunia and Boalkhali upazilas will be able to bypass the city centre using this road, facilitating access to the city's airport, Patenga area and southern Chattogram. Tourists from Chattogram city, as well as the northern and southern districts, will soon be able to enjoy the tourist zone.

He additionally stated that 92 percent of the construction of this 9.5-kilometre-long road has been completed. The remaining tasks are anticipated to be completed by December. Once the road is fully functional, it will offer numerous advantages, he added.

A model of the proposed tourist spot on the bank of Karnaphuli River bank. Photo: Collected

So, it will open up new opportunities for managing waterlogging in the city, safeguarding riverbanks, enhancing urban connectivity, establishing a modern water drainage system and promoting the tourism industry.

CDA Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain informed BSS that the project has been incorporated into the CDA Master Plan, with plans to establish a three-kilometre-long tourist zone. Efforts are underway to develop these areas through private or joint venture initiatives.

He mentioned that a walkway extending over three kilometres from Shah Amanat Bridge to Bolirhat will be constructed, along with a tourist centre on both sides of Marine Drive.

A family-friendly restaurant featuring entertainment options for children will be established, he said. The CDA chairman noted that Bakalia is regarded as one of the less developed areas of Chattogram city.

Urban planners assert that the successful execution of this plan could significantly transform the area's landscape.

They believe that the quality of life for local residents will also improve following the project's completion. Despite Bakalia being a densely populated area, it lacks essential entertainment facilities.

So, this new tourist centre is expected to provide opportunities for the residents of Bakalia, as well as the broader Chattogram city, to enjoy nature in close proximity, they remarked.

Although Bakalia is a crowded locality, there are insufficient arrangements for the entertainment of its inhabitants. Thus, the new tourist destination will enable individuals not only from Bakalia but from the entire Chattogram city to engage with nature, he concluded.