Sabbir Ibne Siddique, Hatiya (Noakhali)

A recently renovated jetty and ferry ramp infrastructure at Nolchira Ghat, constructed at a cost of Tk 62.46 lakh, has been rendered functionally useless during high tide just one and a half months after completion, causing widespread suffering for commuters and patients.

Nolchira Ghat serves as the primary gateway connecting the isolated island upazila of Hatia with mainland Noakhali and other parts of Bangladesh. Every day, thousands of commuters—including students, service holders, traders, and critically ill patients—rely on this terminal for daily transportation.

However, during daily high tides, water completely submerges the ferry ramps and pontoon jetties, forcing all vessel operations and passenger boarding to a complete halt until the low tide sets in.

Tk 62,46,000 was spent under BIWTA and ramps and pontoons submerged during normal high tide, stranding commuters for 3 to 4 hours.

Locals and commuters have raised serious questions regarding the planning and technical viability of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) project. The work, executed under the Chittagong division of BIWTA, involved supplying and installing two MS spuds for a steel-framed wooden jetty, along with lifting and re-installing two damaged MS spuds.

Residents pointed out that tidal flooding and coastal erosion are long-standing issues at Nolchira Ghat. They questioned whether hydrological factors—such as peak high-tide water levels, current velocity, and coastal erosion patterns—were properly evaluated before spending public funds on temporary fixes.

The terminal leaseholder, Afzal Hossain Rabu, confirmed the operational disruption, stating that ground management becomes nearly impossible during peak hours.

"When high tide hits, both ferry ramps and the pontoon go under water. Passenger transport stops completely, and everyone has to wait until low tide. Managing the large crowd during these hours is extremely difficult," Rabu explained.

For emergency medical transfers to Noakhali mainland hospitals, delays of three to four hours at the terminal have proven dangerous for critically ill patients and their families.

Addressing the allegations, Md. Rishad Ahmed, Executive Engineer at Chittagong Divisional BIWTA, acknowledged the difficult terrain of the area.

"Nolchira Ghat is situated in an erosion-prone zone. The strong river currents and continuous soil erosion exert heavy pressure on the jetty structure, leading to recurring damage," Ahmed said. "The primary structure was designed earlier, but recent shifts in the river's flow and erosion patterns have created new challenges."

Despite official assurances, local residents maintain that BIWTA must conduct an immediate field inspection to design a permanent, tide-resilient structure that allows safe boarding regardless of tidal conditions.