Erosion threatens Daulatdia ferry terminal as monsoon begins
During a visit to the area on Tuesday morning, it was found that water levels in the Padma River were rising, worsening the erosion that has already damaged the stretch from Pontoon No-7 to Pontoon No-6
With the monsoon setting in, riverbank erosion has started threatening the Daulatdia ferry terminal
With the monsoon setting in, riverbank erosion has started threatening the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari, particularly Ferry Ghat No-7, which now faces serious risk.
The swirling currents caused by ferries docking and departing are accelerating erosion, endangering nearby homes and infrastructure.
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During a visit to the area on Tuesday morning, it was found that water levels in the Padma River were rising, worsening the erosion that has already damaged the stretch from Pontoon No-7 to Pontoon No-6.
Shahadat Member Para and Chattar Member Para, located downstream from the terminal, are now under threat.
Locals expressed growing concerns and frustration.
Barak Mridha, a grocer from the Ghat No-6 area, said he has lost everything to erosion three times in the past 15 years.
"The riverbank was once a kilometer away. Now it's at my doorstep," he said, blaming the authorities for their inaction during the dry season.
Selim Khan, a banker from Chattar Member Para, said more than half of Daulatdia union has been claimed by the river over the past 15 years.
"We've been pleading for 1river protection measures every year, but nothing effective has been done," he said.
Locals pointed out that both the ferry terminals and the launch terminal are at risk.
Nurul Anwar Milon, manager of the launch terminal owners' association, said monsoon erosion submerges homes and structures annually. He stressed the need for preventive action before the situation worsens.
Nasir Mohammad Chowdhury, deputy general manager of BIWTC's Aricha region, said all ferry terminals at Daulatdia face erosion risk, with Ghat No-7 being the most vulnerable. He said the issue was discussed at a recent coordination meeting at the Rajbari Deputy Commissioner's office and that letters have been sent to both BIWTA and the Water Development Board (WDB) seeking urgent action.
Nepal Chandra Debnath, Executive Engineer of BIWTA's Aricha region, said preparations are in place to respond to major erosion events.
Authorities have been informed in advance to initiate necessary protective measures, he said.
