A new weekend retreat by the Karnaphuli

Résumé détaillé

A riverside road along the Karnaphuli is emerging as a popular weekend getaway in Chattogram, drawing city dwellers seeking open space, fresh air and river views.

A riverside road along the Karnaphuli is emerging as a popular weekend getaway in Chattogram, drawing city dwellers seeking open space, fresh air and river views.

Behind Kolpolok Residential Area, the under-construction 8.5-kilometre road and dyke have become an informal recreational spot, attracting families, couples and groups of friends, particularly on weekends.

Ashraful Alam, a Forest Department employee, recently visited with his wife and two children.

“I was surprised to see so many people here. There are hardly any facilities for visitors, although a few shops have opened. Still, I enjoyed spending the evening sitting by the river,” he said.

The spot’s popularity comes as Chattogram has only eight parks and recreational spaces for an estimated population of around 70 lakh, according to the Chattogram City Corporation’s annual administrative report for fiscal 2023-24.

“Before, this was an abandoned area. We have seen it turn into a popular destination right before our eyes. People mostly come here because it is quiet and free from the usual city bustle. With proper infrastructure for visitors, this place could become an ideal tourist spot,” said Jamal Uddin, a resident of Road No 2 in Kolpolok Residential Area.

The 8.5-kilometre Kalurghat-Chaktai road and dyke project, stretching from the Kalurghat Bridge intersection to Chaktai Canal, was launched in July 2017.

The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) undertook the Tk 2,779.39-crore project to improve connectivity and ease waterlogging by constructing a four-lane alternative road and an embankment along the Karnaphuli. Around 90 percent of the work has been completed.

The CDA has now proposed developing a one-kilometre stretch behind Kolpolok Residential Area into a tourist zone.

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