The sight of locals using a rope-tied boat to traverse the Ichamati River has become familiar in Sialbukka of Rangunia, as this boat remains the only means of crossing for over 14 thousand people.
The Ichamati River flowing through South Rajanagar and Rajanagar Union in Rangunia Upazila has become a challenging obstacle for six villages during the monsoon season. With no bridge in sight, a small hand-pulled boat remains the only hope for more than 14 thousand people to cross the river. A scene of locals using a rope-tied boat to traverse the river has become a familiar sight in the region.
Sialbukka, a village on the western side of the river, stands like an isolated island, home to Sahapara, Mogpara, Chowkidarpara, Teknafpara, Bara-Yapara, and Haringachara villages of Rajanagar union. This remote region houses around 14 thousand residents, including over 2 thousand eligible voters. While a bamboo shack was constructed at Secheshram to facilitate crossings, it gets submerged during the monsoons, leaving just one boat as their lifeline.
Every day, approximately 300 students, along with thousands of workers and commuters, rely on this hand-pulled boat to reach schools, colleges, madrasas, and workplaces. The lack of protection for passengers crossing the river, coupled with the boat's operating hours from 6 am to 10 pm, creates difficulties for emergency situations and night travel.
Local residents have long demanded the construction of a bridge, but their pleas have yet to yield results. The higher authorities have been informed about the urgent need for a bridge, but the implementation is still pending.
In the past, bamboo baskets were used for crossings, but two months ago, strong currents caused the sinking of a basket called "Sankoti," leaving the boat as the only option. A native villager serves as the boatman for six months and receives paddy or financial assistance from every household.
Several students, including Shubo Nath and Samia Sultana, shared their daily struggles, recounting that they spend an hour each way to reach their educational institutions. During the monsoon season, attending schools and colleges becomes nearly impossible.
Sanjit Chandra Nath, the boatman, highlighted the challenges faced by the Sialbukka village residents, who heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The increase in water levels during rains exacerbates the difficulties, and passengers must cross the river at their own risk. Several emergency cases had to be crossed in the middle of the night, making nighttime travel extremely hazardous.
Didarul Alam, the Upazila engineer, assured that necessary proposals for the implementation of four ‘Sanko’ projects, including a bridge at Sialbukka, have been sent to the ministry. He remains hopeful that the bridge will be constructed before the upcoming election, easing the struggles of the affected communities.
TDM/SD
