Over three hundred watermelon-laden trucks have remained stranded at Ilisha ferry ghat on the Barisal-Bhola- Lakhsmipur route over the Meghna river in the district for the last few days due to ferry shortage.
The farmers carry goods to many parts of the country including the capital city through the ferry ghat .
According to sources, only two K-type smaller ferries are now on service on the route.
But they are plying slowly causing long tailback.
This has caused great sufferings to traders, truck drivers and employees who have to spend more than what they earn to manage their daily meals.
Perishable goods, including fruits and vegetables already started to rot, truck drivers said.
Because of this phenomenon, watermelon farmers are going to incur losses Tk 10 crore as their fruits ruined due to tailback.
Many farmers were admitted to hospitals following heart attack as fear of incurring losses griped them.
When contacted, the ferry master Tajul Islam said the problem could not be solved only with the two small ferries.
He was not confirmed when the vehicles could reach their destination.
He demanded more ferries to solve the problem.
