Paturia-Daulatdia waterway faces navigation risk amid strong current

Due to rising water level and strong current, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has issued a highest-alert warning for the Paturia-Daulatdia waterway. 
A special emergency navigation notice stated that all types of vessels, ferries and launches operating on the route should operate with the utmost caution. In particular, vessels, ferries and launches capable of travelling at less than 7.20 nautical miles per hour have been instructed to avoid the waterway and use alternative routes.
Mohammad Ashraf Uddin, joint director of BIWTA’s Aricha office, said the excess water resulting from floods in Nepal is entering Bangladesh through India. As a result, along with the rising water level in the river, the intensity of the current has also increased. He said the strong current could make navigation on this waterway risky for slower vessels. Therefore, vessels, ferries and launches capable of travelling at less than 7.20 nautical miles per hour have been advised to avoid this waterway and use alternative routes.
Considering the safety of passengers, copies of the emergency navigation notice have also been sent to the river police, district administration, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the Inland Water Transport Workers Federation and other relevant offices. Sources said the strong current has made ferry operations increasingly difficult, particularly when approaching the terminals at either end of the route.