Padma erosion threat looms over Paturia-Daulatdia ferry terminals

During the full monsoon every year, fierce erosion under the influence of strong currents pushes the Paturia-Daulatdia ferry terminals into disastrous positions.

The Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route is an indispensable one for road link between the capital Dhaka and 21 districts in the country's southwest.

Every day, 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles and several thousand passengers cross the Padma River by using this route.

Although the opening of the Padma Bridge has eased pressure slightly, the strategic importance of the ferry service has not diminished.

Locals alleged that the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) could have prevented much of the damage had it taken timely protective measures against the unremitting trend of erosion.

The ferry ghats were relocated from Aricha to Paturia in 2002 and soon became the lifeline of passenger and goods transport in the southwest.

But this year's monsoon has brought out an alarming devastation.

On August 5, the Paturia launch terminal was completely washed away, while five houses and a poultry farm nearby were devoured by the gluttonous river.

The situation is particularly dire at ferry terminals 3, 4, and 5. In the past two weeks, their ramps have repeatedly gone under water, severely disrupting vehicular movement. BIWTA has been forced to carry out frequent emergency repairs.

Such severe erosion has not been seen in the past two decades, said a group of locals. "The intensity could have been anticipated earlier. If BIWTA had taken preventive steps, the emergency repairs, rising maintenance costs, and public sufferings could have been averted,"' said a local resident.

Rafiqul Islam, a passenger from Dhaka, shared his concern saying "I have never seen Paturia in such a state before.

The launch terminal disappeared in a single day, and none of the ferry terminals are in good shape. They could collapse at any moment, and passengers as well as drivers are at serious risks."

Truck driver Rubel Hossain echoed similar worries saying, "The condition of the ramps is terrible. When fully loaded trucks get on or off ferries, there is always a fear. Even while unloading, there's a chance of trucks toppling if they slip just a little."

Momtaz Begum, who lived near terminal 5, said she lost their home overnight on August 15. "Our house, along with four others nearby, collapsed into the river. Now we don't even know where to take shelter," lamented Momtaz.

Another resident, Rana, said, "Within three weeks, the launch terminal, five houses, and a poultry farm have vanished. BIWTA had taken no protective steps in advance. If this situation continues, the ferry terminals will be gone too."

Small businesses are also suffering. Selim Mia, a tea stall owner near the terminal, said, "When the ferries run, our business survives. But once the ramps go under water, passengers and vehicles drop drastically, and so does our income."

District Water Development Board Executive Engineer Muhammad Akhtaruzzaman explained, "The ferry terminal area does not fall under our jurisdiction, which is why we cannot take direct action there. But we are working on erosion control in other parts of the Padma and Jamuna rivers."

Nepal Chandra Debnath, executive engineer of BIWTA's Aricha river port, said, "Such erosion at Paturia has not occurred in the past two decades. Strong currents are damaging the terminals. We are dropping geo-bags to protect them and have informed the ministry in writing. Once instructions come, larger works will begin."

Abdus Salam, acting DGM of BIWTC's Aricha office, said, "Every day, one or more terminals are being damaged. Still, we are continuing ferry services in public interest. Strong currents have doubled the crossing time, yet we are managing to ferry 1,500 to 2,000 vehicles daily. But keeping ferry operations running in such condition is a major challenge. Without a permanent solution, Paturia ferry terminal will remain at risk."

The Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route is not just associated with transportation; it is linked directly to the livelihoods of thousands of passengers, traders, and small shopkeepers.

Locals warned that without urgent and permanent measures, this crucial river crossing could face a complete collapse in the future.

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