Riverbank erosion in the Padma has taken a serious turn with the rising water level since mid-July, putting all ferry terminals at Daulatdia under threat.
According to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the three active terminals — No. 3, 4, and 7 — in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila are now at serious risk of collapse.
Although sandbags are being dumped as part of emergency repairs the measures are insufficient given the scale of the erosion, said locals.
They said some adjoining villages including Bahir Char Sattar Member Para, Mojid Matubber Para, and Shahadat Member Para as well as markets, mosques, schools, and madrasas are also in danger.
BIWTA officials including the executive engineer of the Aricha office visited the site Saturday to assess the damage.
They reported severe erosion in a two-kilometre stretch around the terminals particularly around No. 4 and 7 terminals where ferry pontoons are becoming increasingly unstable due to soil loss.
“Every monsoon brings the same problem, but no long-term solution,” said tea seller Shahin Sheikh. He also alleged irregularities in sandbag use.
Local residents Altaf Molla, Shahadat Pramanik, and Moyan Sardar said they do not want relief and want only effective river management.
They said they want to save their last refuge. “Many came with promises to prevent erosion but none kept their word,” said Altaf Molla.
Mohammad Salah Uddin, Assistant General Manager of BIWTC’s Daulatdia office, said, “Erosion has made the ferry terminals vulnerable. We’ve requested BIWTA to take immediate measures. Although three terminals are still operational, if erosion worsens, it may disrupt the transportation of passengers and vehicles.”
Nepal Chandra Debnath, Executive Engineer of the BIWTA Aricha office, said, “Terminals 4 and 7 are at highest risk, and we’ve informed the authorities. As part of emergency repairs, around 700 sandbags have been dumped recently. However, no bags have been placed in the central part of the terminal yet. We can complete the remaining work if we receive the required allocation.”
