To save the Karnaphuli from encroachers, the Chattogram City Corporation and district administration have jointly initiated a project to build a park on the river bank in the port city's Firingi Bazar area.

Termed "Karnaphuli Lookout", the park will stretch across 12.45 acres of government khas land.

It will have a ferris wheel, kid's zone, boat museum, open stage, walkways, picnic spots and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, said district administration officials.

"I was looking for suitable lands for such parks since I joined officer about seven months ago. I am happy we finally found one and I urge all to look for lands so that we can have such parks in all 191 unions in the district,"

"Building new parks and amusement centres in the city was one my election pledges and I am happy that I have been able to keep my promises," said CCC Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, who visited the park spot on July 12 with Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman.

Building parks and playgrounds will not only be beneficial to locals but also help prevent encroachments and pollution, said the deputy commissioner.

"I was looking for suitable lands for such parks since I joined officer about seven months ago. I am happy we finally found one and I urge all to look for lands so that we can have such parks in all 191 unions of the district," he added.

At present, the work of land development in underway, he said.