Regional Plan
Regional plan is an indicative plan considering seven upazilas of Payra-Kuakata Coastal Region as a whole in an integrated and comprehensive manner.
Kuakata, locally known as Sagar Kannya (Daughter of the Sea), is a sea beach of rare scenic beauty on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. The most crucial attraction of the beach is that one can see both sunrise and sunset from some of its locations. Situated 320 km from Dhaka and 70 km from the Patuakhali district headquarters, Kuakata is part of the Latachapli union of Kalapana Upazila. The best way to reach Kuakata from Dhaka is to first travel to Barisal by road, water, or air, then take the bus or boat/launch for the destination. The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation introduced a direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal.
To boost the development of Patuakhali and Barguna's coastal zone and to develop "Sonar Char" in Rangabali as an exclusive foreign tourist center and transform Kuakata, Taltali, and Patharghata into tourist zones. The Payra Sea Port was established in 2013 and began operations in 2016, with its deep-sea port under phased construction. In 2017, the Payra-Kuakata Comprehensive Plan focusing on eco-tourism was approved to ensure sustainable development. The project includes Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and six surveys (infrastructure, transportation, geology, hydro-geology, socio-economic, and SEA) to create regional, structure, urban, and rural area plans for 7 Upazilas. An Action Area Plan for the Sonar Char Exclusive Tourist Zone and nearby islands has also been prepared. This initiative aims to provide planned civic amenities and promote sustainable growth in the region.
The coastal zone is vital for Bangladesh’s economy and livelihoods but lacks a long-term holistic development plan. Integrating the coastal zone into the country’s mainstream development requires an interdisciplinary approach. Key planning issues include:
(i) Translating Regional Plan outputs to integrate the coastal zone into national development.
(ii) Assessing functional and land use needs in hazard-prone areas.
(iii) Developing a Strategic Development Plan considering hazard vulnerabilities.
(iv) Preparing urban area and action plans at the local level.
The planning area covers seven Upazilas: Galachipa, Kalapara, Rangabali, Barguna Sadar, Patharghata, Amtali, and Taltali.
Preparation of Payra-Kuakata Comprehensive Plan focusing on Eco-Tourism
Urban Development Directorate
Ministry of Housing and Public Works
July 2017
June 2023