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Erosion hits Paturia ferry ghat from strong Padma currents
Strong currents of the Padma river have caused erosion at the Paturia ferry ghat in Manikganj, threatening ghats No-3, 4, and 5, jeopardizing ferry operations.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has begun placing sand-filled geobags at several locations to slow down the damage.
According to ghat authorities, early Wednesday morning the powerful river currents struck Paturia ghat 3, washing away parts of the structure.
Similarly, at ghats 4 and 5, rising water submerged the approach ramps and some portions of ghat 4, including geo-bags, were swept into the river. Strong currents are preventing ferries from docking normally.
BIWTA Deputy General Manager Abdus Salam said the intense river flow is directly hitting the ghats, eroding the soil underneath and causing structural instability.
Residents fear that without immediate action, the ghats could collapse completely.
Executive Engineer Nepal Chandra Debnath of BIWTA said that while some geo-bags are being placed as a temporary measure, the Water Development Board has been informed for long-term erosion control under river management projects.
The incident follows last week’s (August 5) collapse of the Paturia launch ghat due to similar river currents. The launches have since been relocated, but the strong flow is now threatening the ferry ghats, reports UNB.