Jamboree field, one of the open spaces in the port city, is in the row of grounds that are disappearing as authorities concerned have no interest in protecting it from illegal grabbers.

Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) is illegally constructing a park on one portion of the field since 2000 and construction of a high-rise building is on cards on another portion of the ground.

Mentionable, housing and public works department, owner of the field, does not

look after the ground, locals alleged, while CCC is entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of around 8.86 acres of the grounds.

Local children and youths play football, cricket and other games in the field. It is also a breathing space for city dwellers. One portion is the extended part of Chittagong Government Servant colony project.

Earlier, more than 100 children could play simultaneously in the field, Suman, a local, said, adding that now they can not play as the remaining portion of the field is being used by locals to grow vegetables.

Zafar Ahmed, who lives in a building adjacent to the field, said now they go to other fields like outer stadium to play cricket or football as they can not play in the field.

CCC State Officer Ahmedul Hoque said they signed an agreement with “Ananda Mela”, a private firm, for 25 years for constructing a children’s park on the ground in 2000. CCC earns Tk 1.60 lakh a month from the firm, Ahmedul said.

A residential colony would be constructed on one portion of the ground, locals alleged.

“The big playground is disappearing day by day,” said Fahmid, a college student and

a cricket player, adding that it would be a great shock for them if the project for colony is approved.

Monwara Chowdhury, a housewife, told The Daily Star that she has a six-year old son but he has no scope to play. “If authorities or city corporation takes such a decision, where will our kids play?” she added.

Shahinul Islam Iti, chief town planner of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), said they would not allow any structure in the open space and playgrounds.

He said CCC decision to construct structure in the name of park on the Jamboree

field is basically based on commercial mentality.

Dr Alok Paul, chairman of geography and environmental science department of Chittagong University, told The Daily Star that the people should come forward to save open spaces and playgrounds in the port city as they are disappearing rapidly.

Terming open space an important component of urban planning, Dr Alok said Jamboree field is a big open space in the city and the authorities should preserve the ground keeping the future generation in mind.