CHATTOGRAM, Nov 18: The 20-year Master Plan for Chattogram city is set to be completed by June next year, according to Abu Issa Ansary, the project director. He confirmed that the draft plan would be finalised by December this year.
The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is implementing the project, titled Preparation of Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan (2020-2041), with an allocated budget of Tk 33.32 crore. Data collection for the plan began in June 2022.
The CDA has undertaken this project to transform Chattogram into a modern, developed, and risk-free city, with a particular focus on connecting it to the Mirsarai Bangabandhu Industrial Park. The proposed master plan will also incorporate disaster management strategies and the Delta Plan, covering the years 2020 to 2041. For this, CDA has appointed Data Experts Limited, Tiller, and EGS Joint Venture (datEx-Tiller-EGS JV) as consultants.
Previously, in 1995, CDA developed a 25-year master plan covering 1996-2020. With the expiry of that plan, the new proposal seeks to learn from its successes and shortcomings, integrating fresh ideas and advanced frameworks. The plan covers an area of approximately 1,152 square kilometres.
Key features of the plan include addressing waterlogging, preserving hills to prevent illegal hill cutting, safeguarding water bodies from encroachment, and creating public amenities such as playgrounds, parks, and recreational centres. These objectives align with CDA's broader mission to prepare and review master plans, oversee urban development, and exercise planning controls under government-approved guidelines.
The plan also envisions the development of at least 11 satellite towns and six industrial zones, complemented by updated water supply systems, drainage networks, flood control measures, river management initiatives, and traffic infrastructure. Inspired by the urban models of Shanghai and Istanbul, the One City, Two Towns concept aims to develop Chattogram into two interconnected urban areas linked by the Bangabandhu Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River.
Chattogram, currently accommodating around seven million people over 160 square kilometres, is experiencing population growth driven by climate refugees and employment seekers. The new plan seeks to address these challenges by expanding the city's infrastructure and urban area nearly fivefold.
In addition to metropolitan development, the plan introduces ward-based strategies to increase public involvement. It also includes separate plans for municipalities and upazilas, ensuring all local development aligns with the overarching master plan. Moreover, specific projects like the Metrorail, elevated expressways, and the Karnaphuli River protection initiative will be integrated into the larger framework.
The CDA has outlined seven key steps for the plan: creating a structure plan, improving drainage and transportation, reducing inequalities, drafting detailed guidelines and policies, fostering tourism, ensuring sustainability and prioritising critical areas. These measures aim to transform Chattogram into a sustainable, eco-friendly, and resilient metropolis over the next two decades.
