The Shankha River, a major waterway in southern Chattogram flowing through Banshkhali, Anwara, Satkania and Chandanaish, is facing a navigability crisis as numerous sandbars have emerged. The loss of depth has disrupted boat movement and fishing, leaving thousands of fishers and boatmen struggling for livelihoods. In many stretches, even small dinghy boats can no longer operate, particularly when water levels fall in winter.

The river once supported transport, trade and fishing activity, including the historic Ishwar Baburhat market on its banks. Residents from Kutubdia and nearby upazilas travelled there by dinghy boats and sampans, while traders moved goods by boats and engine-powered vessels. Gopal Jaladas, a resident of Jaladas Para, said the freshwater river was once a breeding ground for many fish species, but that former abundance is no longer visible.

Pukuria Union member Farid Ahmed said unplanned sand extraction is causing continuing bank erosion and has washed away several homesteads. He called for an end to illegal extraction, sustainable protective embankments and planned dredging. Water Development Board sub-divisional engineer Anupam Pal said sediment from deforested hills has reduced depth, while dredging is under way at several locations and embankments are being built in some areas following local demands.