The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Dredging of some portion of the river Kirtankhola resumed on Sunday after disruption for a week to save the Barisal river port, the country's second largest river port, from the verge of closure.

The fast losing navigability of the river due to heavy siltation and sharp fall in water level forced the authorities to start dredging in about 120 feet area around the port on September 30. But the dredging was suspended on October 6 by the order of the higher authority following allegation that excavated silt was being dumped in the river bed again instead of river bank. However, dredging resumed after selection of suitable riverbed for dumping of the excavated silt.

Meanwhile, shifting of the port for anchoring double and triple deck launches to BIWTA Marine Workshop Jetty on September 26 and Barisal launch station for single and semi double deck launches to KDC ghat on October 13 is stated to be causing immense sufferings to a large number of passengers. Nearly 20 thousand people use the two launch stations every day for going to different destinations by launches.