TA Panna, Roving Correspondent, Ishwardi

Once a bustling place for sailors, Sanda Ghat in Ishwardi, Pabna district, is now a popular tourist destination.

With a rich history during the British era, this place stands on the banks of the Padma River, three kilometers west of Ishwardi city. Although it no longer has the same old charm, it has now become known as a popular entertainment center over time. The rich Sanda Ghat during the British era Sanda Ghat was a very important commercial center during the British rule. The Sanda Railway Station, Sanda Marowari High School, Sanda Pan Hat and Sanda Government Primary School were built around this ghat. Ships and steamers of various sizes from home and abroad used to dock at this wharf, which was bustling with sailors. 

At that time, trains ran from Sanda Railway Station to various provinces in India, including Darjeeling and Shillong. Young men and women from far and wide used to come to the railway line to hear the crackling sound of coal-fired WD steam engines. At that time, a dozen large Hilsa fish could be found at Sanda Ghat for one taka, the aroma of which filled the area. Considering the importance of Sanda Ghat, Sanda Bridge and Pakshi city were born. In 1904, a plan was made to build a bridge over the Padma River. Sir Robert William Gales designed this bridge, for which a three-story bungalow was built in Pakshi. The construction of the Sanda Bridge began in 1909. On March 4, 1915, before the start of train service over this bridge, a huge Pakshi Divisional Railway Office was established on the banks of the Padma River. Today's Pakshi city was built around this office.

It was once the train control office between Bangladesh and India, which is now known as the Bangladesh Railway Pakshi Divisional Office. This bridge is now known as the Hardinge Bridge. Although those historical days of entertainment are now in the past, the entire ghat has not lost its charm. Hundreds of visitors come here every day in search of pure entertainment. It has become a tourist attraction due to the gurgling sound of the waves of the Padma River, fresh air and charming environment. Now numerous small and big shops have been set up around the ghat, where there are stalls selling fuchka, chatpati, jhalmuri and tea. Many businessmen are earning extra income from tourists on boat trips. With the influx of tourists, music and musical performances are often held here, which makes the place more lively. 

The combination of old history and present-day entertainment, the ghat still attracts visitors. This place is not just a ghat, but a living history of the British period, which has found its new form in sync with the times. Sada Ghat, located in Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna district, was once an important railway ferry ghat on the Padma River. Before the Hardinge Bridge built during the British period was commissioned, this ghat was an integral part of the railway communication system. Historical Background In 1878, the railway line from Kolkata to Siliguri was divided into two parts. One part extended from Kolkata to Damukdia Ghat on the south bank of the Padma. Then, another railway line crossed the river and ran from Sada Ghat on the north bank of the Padma to Siliguri. Sada Ghat and Damukdia Ghat were used as railway ferries for the crossing of passengers and goods between these two parts. At present, the railway ferry or station at Sada Ghat no longer exists. Due to extensive erosion in the Padma River and after the Hardinge Bridge was commissioned in 1915, the ghat lost its importance. Now it has become known as a tourist center, where locals and tourists from far away come to enjoy the natural beauty of the Padma. Especially during the dry season, a large number of people are seen here.

 Tourism and the local economy have been linked through boat trips to the Sada Ghat and the opening of various small and large businesses. The relationship between tourism and the local economy has now come under renewed discussion. When a place of natural beauty or a tourist center is known to people, not only the beauty of that place is revealed, but a new economic sector is also created around it. Currently, it is seen in many areas that due to the increase in tourist attraction, numerous chatpati, jhalmuri, fuchka shops, various handicraft shops and various types of eateries have been established.

 As a result, new sources of income have been created for local businessmen. The small and large businesses that are established around the arrival of tourists play a special role in the economic development of that region.

Boat trips, local cultural events, and handicraft stalls attract tourists, which ultimately adds a new dimension to the economic development of the region.

These activities not only strengthen the tourism sector, but also help improve the quality of life of local people. If such initiatives are properly managed, they can make the local economy more prosperous and sustainable.