Chattogram residents expressed concern after Chattogram Development Authority took the initiative to lease a portion of Patenga seashore.
CDA states that it does not have the funds or the capacity to maintain the beach area. CDA decided to lease it.
Follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel for the latest news. Premier University Vice-Chancellor Prof Anupam Sen said that the natural view of the beach would be destroyed if a concrete structure was built. The development of Patenga beach should not be done in the name of protecting the environment.
He stated that CDA should make the details of the lease to the public before calling for tenders.
“CDA’s decision not to lease the beach to private companies is illogical and unanticipated,” stated Akhtar Kabir, secretary of civil-society platform Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik in Sujan.
“Almost all the public entertainment spots in Chattogram were given to private companies.” Where will the average person go if Patenga beach is closed? Zahidul Islam asked the question, a resident from the port city.
“When considering the lease of the beach and adjacent areas, authorities must consider public interest as well as ecological aspects first,” Mujib Rahman, associate Professor of English at Chittagong College, said.
Ashiq Imran (Architect) is a member of the CDA board. He stated, “We are going lease the area that runs along the beach’s shore ring road, since we don’t have the extra funds or capacity to manage the costs of the area’s management.”
“We got the primary approval from the housing and public work ministry about eight months ago to lease the land,” he stated.
Ashiq announced that an amusement park will be built in the area.
Md Mostafa Monwar (associate professor of marine science at Chittagong University) said that authorities may not be able manage the garbage produced by visitors to the proposed establishments. This will significantly pollute beaches.
Despite multiple attempts, this correspondent was unable to reach Mohammad Mominur Rahman (deputy commissioner of Chattogram).