Kamrul Hasan : Due to the increase in water in the Padma River and strong current, severe erosion has occurred on the Paturia-Daulatdia waterway in Manikganj. This waterway, the main gateway to 21 districts in the southwestern part of the country, is now under serious threat. Several homes, shops, farms and a launch pier in the ferry pier area have already disappeared into the riverbed.

Ferry and launch operations are being disrupted due to the strong current. Where it used to take 25 to 30 minutes to cover a four-kilometer route earlier, it now takes more than an hour. As a result, long traffic jams have been created at both ends. Every day, several kilometers long queues of goods trucks, passenger buses and private cars are visible. This has caused extreme suffering to passengers and transport-related people.

Locals complain that so much damage would not have been caused if preventive measures had been taken earlier. They claim, “If the repairs or geobags were done within the time limit, the erosion could have been prevented.”

According to the BIWTC Aricha office, ferrying has become difficult due to strong currents. Currently, 5 out of 15 ferries have to be closed. Although the remaining 10 ferries are operating, the pressure cannot be handled.

Abdus Salam, DGM of BIWTC’s Manikganj office, said,
“All the ghats are under threat. Efforts are being made to prevent erosion by laying geobags. A project proposal has been sent to the ministry for a permanent solution.”

On the other hand, Nepal Chandra Debnath, Executive Engineer of BIWTA’s Manikganj, said that preparations are underway to take sustainable prevention measures in coordination with the Water Development Board. Effective steps will be taken quickly if allocation is received.

The transportation of lakhs of people in 21 districts of the southwestern part of the country depends on this waterway. If this road becomes impassable due to erosion and currents, there is a risk that the communication system with those districts and other parts of the country, including the capital, will be disrupted.

Locals are living in fear as the river continues to erode. They have strongly demanded that the government take immediate and effective action.