Hatiya lifeline has collapsed extreme suffering on the Chattogram-Hatiya route.

Staff Correspondent, Chattogram The only connection between the sea-girt island upazila of Hatiya in Noakhali and the mainland is the Chattogram-Hatiya water route,Yet due to dilapidated vessels, broken jetties, and irregular schedules, this "lifeline" is now practically dead. 500,000 people are spending each day in extreme hardship. From Chattogram Sadar Ghat, passengers first travel by sea-truck and launch to Nalchira or Tamruddi Ghat. From there they must take trawlers or small boats to different unions of Hatiya. With no road connection, this waterway is literally a matter of life and death for the people of Hatiya. Current Major Problems,Vessel Shortage, There is demand for 10 launches, but only 3 are in service. As a result, each launch carries double the passengers. People travel standing and even on the roof. Dilapidated Ghats,The jetties at Chattogram Sadar Ghat and Tamruddi Ghat in Hatiya are broken. There are no lights at night. During storms and rain, passengers get soaked under the open sky. Suspended for Weather,Even with slight waves, water transport is shut down for 3-4 days. At that time Hatiya becomes completely isolated. Emergency patients, medicine, and food get stuck. Excess Fare and Harassment,The fixed fare is 400 BDT, but during peak season 700-800 BDT is charged. Ticket black-marketing and extortion at the ghats are daily occurrences. Risky Goods Transport,Rice, gas cylinders, and construction materials come on risky trawlers. Prices go up 2-3 times during disasters. Rahima Begum, a resident of Jahajmara Union, Hatiya, said, My child was sick. Because the launch was closed, I could take him to Chattogram after 2 days. Md. Selim, a businessman from Hatiya Bazar, said, Goods were stuck for 5 days. They rotted and were ruined. How can we do business like this? Operate 3 modern passenger launches and 2 cargo sea-trucks daily on a regular schedule Urgent renovation of Sadar Ghat and Tamruddi Ghat and construction of modern jetties Fixed fares and strict monitoring by BIWTA. The Chairman of Hatiya Upazila said, This is not just a water route. This is the artery of Hatiya. Development of the island is not possible without fixing this. BIWTA authorities said, Once we get the budget, we will renovate the ghats and bring in new vessels. For the people of Hatiya who fight to survive against nature, the water route is gtheir last hope. But that very hope is now the most unsafe place. If this lifeline is not repaired quickly, the suffering of the island's people will only increase.