The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) plans to expand the city’s area from 155 square kilometres to 1,255 square kilometres through a 25-year master plan designed around projected population needs to 2050. About 90 percent of the plan has been completed. The authority began a two-month public hearing on August 2, which will continue until September 30, and expects to publish the plan’s gazette by December.

CDA is consulting more than 100 individuals and institutions, with letters already sent to 50 organisations. Residents can submit views at the CDA office or online. Officials said the draft designates 31.92 percent of land for agriculture and 14.48 percent as environmentally sensitive, while prioritising protection of 39,845 ponds, reservoirs and hills. New building approvals and construction in hilly areas are prohibited.

Participants have raised concerns about land classifications, roads shown on residential plots and green-zone designations. CDA says opinions will be reviewed before revisions. The plan includes a satellite city in Anwara, covers eight upazilas, and proposes planned towns, tourism development and heritage conservation measures.