2 ferries on the Karnaphuli river between Raikhali in Kaptai upazila of Rangamati district and Chandraghonar in Rangunia upazila of Chittagong district were stopped again on Monday (September 2) at 12 noon due to the current in the river.
Earlier on August 25, due to the release of 16 culverts of the spillway of the Kaptai hydropower plant, the ferry service was stopped from 8 am that day, but the next day, on August 26, the ferry service was normal again.
Speaking to ferry drivers, employees and drivers of various vehicles, apart from the spillway of the Kaptai hydroelectric plant, the Karnaphuli river is closed for several hours during the day when excess water rises up on the ferry steps when the tide comes.
As a result of the closure of the ferry service, all types of vehicles plying on the Rangamati to Bandarban-Rajasthali road have come to a standstill. Hundreds of passengers plying on this route were put in trouble.
As an alternative, they have to cross in motorized boats. Apart from this, the essential vehicles are moving using the godown bridge of Rangunia upazila of Chittagong district.
This reporter went to Chandraghona ferry ghat area at 1 pm on Monday (September 2). Meanwhile, residents of Chandraghona ferry ghat area Md. Sohel and Md. Munna said that we live on the banks of Karnaphuli river. A lot of water is seen in the river today (Monday). Due to the release of water from the Kaptai water power plant, the river is experiencing a strong current. As a result, the ferry is closed.
Md Shahjahan, the ferry employee, said that the ferry could run several times in the morning, but around 12 noon, the tide came in the Karnaphuli river and there was a lot of water in the gangway of the ferry. As a result, the ferry is closed. He also said that the water is being released through the spillway of the Kaptai water power plant, as a result of which we are unable to run the ferry due to the strong current in the Karnaphuli river.
Source: dainikazadi.net
