Today marks the 17th anniversary of Magurchhara tragedy. On this day in 1997, Magurchhara gas field in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar exploded and caught fire while exploration was going on, causing extensive damage to a big portion of adjacent Lawachhara forest and Magurchhara Paan Punji, a betel plantation.
Biodiversity of Lawachhara forest, Dhaka-Sylhet rail links, roads, electricity and gas lines in adjacent areas also suffered massive damage. Production in nearby tea gardens was affected.
Different political, social and environmental groups have chalked out programmes to observe the day.
The National Committee to protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources Power and Ports along with several other organisations will submit a memorendum to the prime minister through the Srimangal upazila nirbahi officer to press home the 10-point demands, including realising compansation from US oil exploration company Occidental, which was exploring the field.
A human chain will also be formed in Srimangal town.
After 17 years, Lawachhera forest’s biodiversity is yet to be fully restored. The forest has lost many species of wild animals. According to experts, it will take at least 50 years for the forest to recoup its environmental losses.
Operators of Magurchhara gas field has been changed three times since the accident. American company Chevron operates the field at present.
Petrobangla had estimated that losses incurred due to the burning of gas during the explosion would be worth Tk3,900 crore but Occidental had paid a mere Tk38 crore in damages so far.