Bridge urgently needed on Debpur Canal in Kalapara

Rope-pulled boat used for crossing Debpur Canal.

Kalapara: There is no bridge over Debpur canal in Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali, there are several boats tied with ropes at different points on both banks. The roped boats of the villagers including school and college students are now the only hope of communication. Every day, women, children and old people are pulling the rope with risk. Besides, the local workers of Payara bandar and Payra thermal power plants have to cross the river by riding this boat. Residents of the canal said that while crossing in this way, minor accidents have also occurred.

According to local sources, Champapur and Dhankhali unions of the upazila are on one side of West Panchjunia and on the other side of Purba Debpur village. Debpur canal runs through the middle. The location of this canal is about 10 km from the upazila headquarters. As there is no educational institution in the village, the boys and girls of the village have to go to school and college by crossing the rope-pulled boat. Children are at greater risk. Many parents are

discouraged from sending their children to school to avoid accidents.

Several students said that they have to cross the boat every day to go to school. Due to this, many times the books get wet.

Sukhranjan Talukder, head teacher of Dhankhali Sonagazi Hayatunnecha Ashrab Academy Secondary School,  said that many times students do not come to school due to the danger of crossing by boat. If the canal had a bridge it would not have to be crossed by roped boats.

Rintu Talukder, Champapur union chairman said, this canal is between Panchjunia and Debpur villages. If there is a bridge here, the movement of villagers including school and college students would be much easier. - Gofran Biswas Palash