Medhakachhapia National Park holds immense tourism potential

COX'S BAZAR, June: Medhakachhapia National Park, a special tropical evergreen forest in Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar, possesses the potential to be an amazing tourist destination.
Rich in natural resources, the park has been declared as a protected forest area for biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh.
Located in Khutakhali union of Chakaria, the park is a great source of entertainment for the visitors and various activities related to biodiversity conservation are also salient features here.
Medhakachhapia National Park is a forest of unmatched natural beauty which received the government's recognition as the national park in 2008.
Extending over an area of about 396 hectares, the park is home to gurjan, telsur, bailam, gamar, and chapalish trees.
A variety of wildlife survives due to the flora here. Various species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals roam here along with insects and butterflies.
Currently, the forest is being given a new setup with construction of various infrastructures including archways and digging on artificial lakes.
Two and a half thousand tree saplings of different species have been planted on the banks of the one kilometre long lake.
In the future, the lake is expected to be expanded by another kilometre.
A suspension bridge is being built. Multiple restrooms are also being constructed on both banks of the lake.
Abul Kashem Sikdar, a local resident, said that the scenery of Medhakachhapia National Park is a sight to behold.
The park catches the eye of anyone on the way from Chittagong to Cox's Bazar via the highway.
For the convenience of tourists, restrooms and sheds are also being built at various places in the park.
Gias Uddin and Zamir Uddin, who were visiting the park, said that this park could play a significant role in development of tourism industry of Cox's Bazar.
If properly maintained, the park can become an attractive recreation center for tourists.
Currently, the park has an artificial lake and large trees that are impressive.
Dharitri Rakkhay Amra (DHORA) Cox's Bazar joint convenor Faridul Alam Shahin said, "The environment and biodiversity of the park are being harmed day by day due to various types of anti-environmental activities."
Apart from this, due to excessive extraction of forest resources and deforestation, the habitats and breeding grounds of wild animals are decreasing.
Besides, the natural environment of the park is being disturbed due to some insensible activities of the tourists.
As a result, several animals in the park are now endangered. Therefore, effective management is required to protect its biodiversity.
Cox's Bazar North Forest Department Phulchari range officer Humayun Ahmed said, "The main trees of this park include dhakijam, vadi, telsur and chapalish. Also, there are many kinds of animals living in this park. Such as fishing tiger, elephant, monkey, reverse tail monkey, wild cat, wild cock, dolphin, eagle, green lipped finch, kite, shama and other species of animals."
He also said, "While protecting this vast forest area with less manpower, many times we have to face various obstacles. Still we have been protecting government assets at the risk of our lives."
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Cox's Bazar North Forest Division Anwar Hossain Sarkar said that the spectacular one kilometre long lake in the park will add a new dimension to tourism.
Dulahazara Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is located in the southeastern part of the lake. On the northern side, there are walking trails and 'tree adventures' within the roaring forest.
In the future, this lake will be expanded by one more kilometre. A beautiful suspension bridge and several restrooms are being constructed over the lake. Boats will be launched to travel in the lake water.
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