Rain submerges hanging bridge
The hanging bridge over Kaptai Lake in Rangamati has been inundated with rise of water level in the lake, compelling the authorities to suspend movement of people on the bridge from Sunday evening.
Heavy downpour upstream led to the rise in water level. The bridge goes under water during the rainy season every year.
Around 1,200 people of about 175 families living on Dewanpara Island in Kaptai Lake near the bridge are stranded as it is their only link with the mainland. In the absence of water transport, they cannot even go to the market.
“We have managed an engine boat for daily movement, but our neighbours are facing difficulties for want of water vessels,” said Mongol Dhan Chakma, 35, a resident of Dewanpara village.
Considering public safety, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC's) Rangamati office and local administration suspended movement over the bridge from Sunday.
“BPC authorities informed Rangamati Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamsul Arefin and Rangmati Hill District Council Chairman Brisho Ketu Chakma about the matter. The DC instructed us to suspend public movement on the bridge,” said Aloke Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati BPC.
The bridge will reopen after renovation of the bridge and decrease in water level, he added.
BPC earns over Tk 5 lakh during and after Eid holidays every year, but there will be a loss this season due to the inundation of the bridge, a source in BPC said.
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