The river port of Khulna is under the fear of erosion. More than 200 feet space almost disappeared in the river. The erosion is constantly increasing. As a result, ships and cargo cannot be crowded safely at the jetty and unloading of goods at the port is being disrupted.
It was known, a river port area was built in the 60s of the last century on the banks of the Bhairab River, running along the side of Khulna metropolis. It has become one of the busiest and most important river ports in the South-West region with sea, road and rail connectivity at the same location. Traders used to bring goods from Mongla sea port in lighterage ships and unload here and send them to different parts of the country. But since 2018, the number 5 wharf area of the port is facing erosion.
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) spent two and a half crore taka to prevent erosion. But it was not fruitful. Last year, erosion started again at the same place. At present, more than 200 feet of space has been lost under the river due to erosion. The erosion is constantly increasing. As a result, ships and cargo cannot be crowded safely at the jetty. Along with the ship, the risk to the workers is increasing in unloading the goods.
Meanwhile, due to slow discharge of goods at Khulna river port, it is adversely affecting Mongla sea port. Foreign ships with goods at the port have to wait more than the stipulated time. So the workers and businessmen who use the port, claimed the port should be renovated urgently.
Traders complained, if the goods cannot be released quickly from the loaded ship, then the mother vessel will be damaged at Mongla port. The BIWLTA authorities are not responding to repeated calls for renovation and modernization, 5 number wharf of the port.
Chowdhury Minhaj-Uz Zaman Sajal, treasurer of Khulna Divisional Inland Shipping Owners Group, said that ship piling is a big part of the port's five number wharf. It collapsed. No RCC casting in open yard. The connecting road is also in poor condition. Highmash lighting is very important here. Also cranes should be in tune with the current times. Not even that. All in all, the condition of the fifth ghat of this river port is important.
Khulna BIWT deputy director, Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman said that there is seat piling here, claiming that the plan to prevent erosion and develop the infrastructure of the port is underway. However, salt water has caused rust in some places and erosion in some places. The concerned department has been informed about this. Work will be done here subject to availability of necessary funds.
ARS
