Cox’s Bazar Correspondent :
Manikpur Nivrite Nisarga Park in Chakaria upazila has opened the horizon of possibilities for tourism industry. The unique beauty along the Matamuhuri River has given the natural environment an attraction for the thirsty visitors every moment.
The river Matamuhuri originates from the hills of Alikadam. It has crossed 146 km of waterways through Chakaria and Pekua upazilas and joins the Bay of Bengal in a crooked path. There are innumerable hills on both sides. As if the magnificent beauty in the clear water of Matamuhuri River has made it more attractive. Walking in a dinghy boat in the clear water of the river will make tourists feel like entering a dream world.
The reality of Nirsaga Park in Manikpur is that the nature has poured everything here. Nirsaga Park in Manikpur is located 100 km south of Chittagong city and about 55 km north of Cox’s Bazar city under Surajpur Manikpur Union of Chakaria Upazila. The entire park is being supervised by the local Surajpur Manikpur Union Parishad in collaboration with Chakaria Upazila Administration. One doesn’t have to pay to enter the park. Saiful Islam, the watchman of the council, said that at least 300 tourists come to Lama Bazaar through this ghat every day.
River cruises are open to all from 7am to 5pm. Chairman of Surajpur Manikpur Union Parishad Azimul Haque Azim said, “Local tourists are coming to Nirsaga Park in secret. But now tourists come here from all over the country. Tourists are getting a lot of pleasure. However, communication facilities need to be improved to facilitate more entertainment. Tourist police units and round-the-clock electricity are required to ensure security. The Chairman said that the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism has already visited Nirsaga Park. He exchanged views with us regarding its potentials.
We have proposed an infrastructure development project of Tk. 5 crore to develop Nirsaga Park as a modern quality tourism zone. If these are implemented, Nirsag Park will play a role in the development of tourism industry as a tourist destination. As the number of visitors to the park is increasing, so will the economic development of the local people through employment in the park.
The park is open to the public since the inauguration. Gradually tourist arrivals are increasing. Every day more than three hundred tourists go on river trips by boat. The 19 km Zindabazar-Yangchaghat road (up to Yangchaghat) is under construction at a cost of about Tk 6 crore. On Fridays and Saturdays in the weekend with two-day holiday, tourists come from all over the country.
