Navigation along the Meghna River in Narsingdi is facing significant disruptions due to extensive water hyacinth infestations, causing hardships for local residents, especially in char areas. Previously, journeys that took one to two hours are now stretching to five hours as dense clusters of hyacinth clog key river passages, impeding boat traffic.
Observations on the ground reveal thick layers of water hyacinth covering the river from Thanaghat to Karimpur and Switchgate areas, hindering river connectivity with regions like Karimpur, Nozorpur, Alokbali, and Chardighaldi unions and other char areas. The ongoing crisis, lasting nearly two months, has led to engine-operated boats facing difficulties navigating through the aquatic weed, often getting stuck shortly after departure. Docking at market areas has also become challenging.
The disruption has severely impacted the transportation of essential goods such as rice, lentils, oil, and salt, with launches, steamers, speedboats, and small boats operating minimally. Consequently, the link between Narsingdi and neighboring areas like Banchharampur, Nabinganj, and Maniknagar has been severely affected.
Local residents note that the water hyacinth issue exacerbates annually before and after the monsoon season, currently blocking a 32km stretch of the river. According to Md Rakibul Alam, administrator of Alokbali Union Parishad, illegal fish enclosures in the river contribute significantly to the hyacinth accumulation.
Around 50 boats, typically operating daily from various areas and unions in Sadar upazila, are now experiencing disruptions, affecting the livelihoods of boatmen. The increased presence of water hyacinth has made steering boats challenging and time-consuming, resulting in longer trips and reduced operational frequency.
Efforts to address the issue are underway, with authorities planning to remove the water hyacinth through the deployment of cutting machines and manual labor. The Bangladesh Water Development Board and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority have pledged support for the cleanup initiative. Narsingdi Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mst Asma Jahan Sarkar mentioned plans to acquire cutting machines and mobilize workers for large-scale removal operations.
In response to the situation, Narsingdi Sadar MP Khairul Kabir Khokon has directed the district administration to take necessary actions and proposed the construction of two bridges to alleviate long-term transportation challenges.
