Tourists disappointed as suspension bridge sinks, tourism sector faces losses
Rokshana Akter Pinky, Rangamati
The spectacular 'Suspending Bridge' built on Kaptai Lake, the main tourist attraction of Rangamati, is now under the water of the lake.
Due to the increase in the water level of Kaptai Lake due to continuous rainfall and hill slopes, the bridge's foundation has been submerged in water. As a result, the District Tourism Corporation has banned movement on the bridge for the safety of tourists.
The business and commerce of the region built around the bridge has come to a standstill. Local traders are facing losses. Local small and big traders are facing losses every day due to the closure of trade in tourist-free Rangamati. Drivers and owners of hundreds of engine-powered boats are spending idle time. The decrease in tourist arrivals has directly affected the entire tourism sector.
Hundreds of tourists who have come from different parts of the country are expressing disappointment at the appearance of the bridge. Tourists said that they were not able to climb the suspension bridge as their goal of walking on it was not fulfilled.
Hotel owners say that the suspension bridge is one of the destinations for those who come to Rangamati. Bookings are being cancelled every day as the bridge is submerged. Due to the tourist crisis, hotels, motels and restaurants are facing financial losses.
Md. Fakhrul Islam, the lessee of the local boat owners' association, said that the demand for boat trips on the lake has also declined due to the submergence of the bridge. Income has completely stopped due to the lack of tourists. If this continues, we will have to count the financial losses.’
Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of the Rangamati Tourism Corporation, said that the bridge sank due to the increase in the water level of the lake due to the hill slope. The bridge is submerged by 4-6 inches. For the safety of visitors, red flags have been hung at the entrance of the bridge and bamboo poles have been used to block traffic. Hopefully, once the water level in the lake recedes in a few days, the ban on tourist movement will be lifted again.
There has been a long-standing demand to rebuild the bridge higher as a permanent solution to this problem, but it has not yet been implemented. The affected traders are demanding the immediate renovation of the suspension bridge to resolve this crisis.
