Sabbir Ibne Siddique, Hatiya (Noakhali)

A newly constructed coastal transport facility built at a cost of Tk 4.36 crore at Nolchira Ghat in Hatiya upazila is at immediate risk of collapsing into the Meghna River, driven by escalating riverbank erosion and an operational standoff between two key state bodies.

Key infrastructure at the site—including a low-water ferry road, a mid-water ferry road, a gangway pontoon, and spud anchor installations—has begun succumbing to severe tidal surges and strong river currents only months after completion. The erosion threatens vital regional transit connections, business hubs, and adjacent academic institutions, leaving daily commuters and local communities in distress.

According to records from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the development project under the Chattogram division for the 2025–2026 fiscal year comprised Tk 1.58 crore for mid-water ferry ghat bank protection, Tk 2.15 crore for low-water ferry ghat construction, and Tk 62.50 lakh for jetty and spud infrastructure, totaling Tk 4.36 crore. Field reports indicate that substantial portions of the shoreline adjoining the terminal have already caved in. During high tide, water surges dangerously close to the primary thoroughfares, increasing risk for passengers, goods, and vehicular transport.

Local residents and business owners express growing concern over the absence of immediate protective measures. Local practitioner Haq Saab shared that residents are watching their establishments and land disappear into the river day by day, noting that despite annual assurances, no tangible protective work materializes. Regular commuter Ashiqur Rahman Sohag added that commuters face life-threatening risks every single day, particularly during high tides, warning that without erosion defense, the government's entire multi-crore investment is going to waste. Afzal Hossain Rabu, the terminal's leaseholder, highlighted that the degradation of the main infrastructure is hindering transport operations and causing severe financial losses, warning that if the erosion remains unchecked, transit across the channel could grind to a complete halt.

The situation is compounded by a lack of coordinated action between BIWTA and the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), with each authority defining its scope of responsibility narrowly. Mohammad Rishad Ahmed, Executive Engineer for BIWTA (Chattogram Division), stated that BIWTA has fully executed its assigned construction mandate, explaining that bank protection and permanent embankment defense fall under the jurisdiction of the Water Development Board, and that they have formally requested BWDB to take urgent measures while notifying higher authorities.

In response, Refat, Executive Engineer at BWDB, acknowledged the vulnerability of Hatiya as a disaster-prone area and noted that two separate comprehensive protection proposals—covering Nolchira and Chairman Ghat—have been submitted to the ministry for administrative approval. Jamil Ahmed, Sub-Divisional Engineer at BWDB, added that a proposal for a sustainable guide embankment at Nolchira Ghat is awaiting departmental approval, after which execution will begin once funds are allocated, while placing emergency geo-bags remains under consideration.

Despite agency assurances, no emergency geo-bag dumping or temporary stabilization work has commenced on the ground. Local stakeholders, traders, and regular commuters are urging senior ministry officials to authorize immediate emergency stabilization measures alongside the swift approval of the permanent guide-wall project before public funds and vital transport routes are completely washed away.