Sandeshkhali, 10 July (H.S.) The condition of the Atapur Ferry Ghat, located on the banks of the Raimangal River in Sandeshkhali, has worsened significantly day by day. For years, local residents have been demanding the construction of a permanent (concrete) jetty, but no steps have been taken by the administration so far.

Thousands of daily passengers are forced to walk over loose bricks and weak pillars to reach the boats, risking their lives every time they travel.

There is no lighting at the ferry ghat. So it becomes unusable after sunset.

The only rural hospital in Sandeshkhali Block 2 is located in Khulna area. As a result, when patients need to be transported from Atapur to the hospital, their relatives face tremendous hardship due to the poor condition of the ferry ghat.

Radheyshyam Das, a boatman who has been operating at the ghat for many years, said that he has repeatedly appealed to the authorities for the construction of a new jetty, but no action has been taken. He warned that a major accident could occur at any time due to the unsafe condition of the ghat.

Local resident Swapan Das said that politicians come during election campaigns and promise to build a new jetty, but those promises are forgotten once the elections are over. He criticized the administration for ignoring the suffering of daily commuters and demanded the immediate construction of a new and safe jetty.

In response, Sandeshkhali MLA Sukumar Mahat said, “I’ve just learned about this issue. I will soon discuss the matter with the concerned officials to ensure that steps are taken for the construction of a new ferry ghat.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey