‘Putting environment at risk for development’

Residents of Chattogram city have expressed their grave concern after Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) took the initiative to lease out a part of Patenga sea beach.

According to CDA, it no longer has the capacity and sufficient funds to maintain the particular beach area, which is why they decided to lease it out.

Premier University Vice Chancellor Prof Anupam Sen, an eminent citizen, said, "The natural view of the beach will be destroyed if any concrete structure is established there. No one should destroy the environment of Patenga beach in the name of development."

"Before calling for any tender, CDA should disclose the details of leasing the beach to the public," he said.

"CDA's decision to lease the beach to a private company is illogical and unexpected," said Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury, secretary of civil-society platform Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan).

"Almost all public entertainment spots in Chattogram went to private companies. Where will common people go, if the only open place, Patenga beach, also goes to a private company?" asked Zahidul Islam, a resident of the port city.

"Concerning lease of the beach and adjoining areas, authorities have to consider public interest and ecological aspects first," said Mujib Rahman, associate professor of English at Chittagong College.

Commercial ventures like this may endanger the rare flora and fauna of the territory, he said.

Architect Ashiq Imran, a board member of CDA, said, "We are going to lease the area that runs for five kilometres along the beach's ring road, as we have no extra funds and capacity to manage the area's costs."

"Around eight months ago, we got primary approval to lease the land from the housing and public works ministry," he said.

An amusement park will be built on the proposed land, Ashiq said.

Md Mostafa Monwar, associate professor of marine sciences at Chittagong University, said authorities might not be able to manage the garbage that will be produced by visitors at the proposed establishments, which will significantly pollute the beach.

Despite several attempts, this correspondent could not reach Mohammad Mominur Rahman, deputy commissioner of Chattogram.

Contacted, Mohammad Nazmul Ahsan, additional deputy commissioner (revenue), said, "We did not get any official letter from CDA in this regard."

"How can CDA  lease out the area to others? We are really confused about its activities in recent times," said the ADC.

"We sent CDA many letters earlier to explain to us several of its ativities in the port city, which violated the law," he added.