The Payra Rehabilitation Project (also known as Swapner Thikana) in Kalapara, Patuakhali, was developed to resettle families displaced by the Payra Sea Port and related mega-projects. It provides modern housing, schools, and clinics for displaced locals.
The multi-phase resettlement initiative provides safe and organized housing to mitigate the impact of land acquisition. Key details include:
- Location: Dhulasar and Chandupara, Kalapara Upazila, Patuakhali District.
- Housing Facilities: Consists of hundreds of “A” Type and “B” Type residential buildings for displaced families.
- Community Infrastructure: Includes mosques, community clinics, ponds, and schools for the rehabilitated population.
- Project Status: The resettlement centers were officially inaugurated by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The first major phase of the resettlement initiative, known as the “Swapner Thikana” rehabilitation center, was inaugurated on October 27, 2018, by then Prime Minister.
During this initial opening, the Prime Minister visited the newly constructed residential area, handed over keys and land registration papers to displaced local families, and planted saplings on the premises.
Subsequent key milestones for the broader region and its ongoing rehabilitation extensions include:
- September 2018: The formal construction contract for the massive second-phase Payra Deep Seaport Rehabilitation Project was signed.
- October 27, 2022: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina virtually laid the foundation stones for the expanded rehabilitation areas alongside major capital dredging works and port infrastructure upgrades.