People from areas adjacent to the Tengratila-Chhatak gas field in Sunamganj fear severe accidents as gas continue to flow out through leaks in the grounds.
Some families in the area have been using the leaked gas in households by constructing makeshift connections using local methods, adding to the risk.
These leaks, along with many others, were created in 2006 when two major explosions took place at the gas field.
Canadian gas exploration company Naiko, has been largely blamed for negligence and inefficiency which led to the twin explosions and the subsequent blaze that burnt natural gas worth billions of takas, reports UNB.
After the explosion, gas started coming out through the leaks that appeared under canals and farmlands.
The concerned authorities, however, never managed to plug all the leaks even though the main exploration well was sealed off.
Recently, the intensity of gas flow from some of these unplugged leaks, has gone up, scaring the residents of the area.
At least 50 families in the area have reportedly been using the leaked gas in households without any kind of protection.
They cover up the leaks with large bowls, attach supply pipes to the bowls and connect the pipes directly with their kitchen burners.
Abul Kashem, a local resident, has been using gas from the Tengratila field in a similar manner. He covered an underwater leak of a nearby canal with a large plastic bowl and connected it directly to his kitchen.
Kashem’s wife does not have any idea that using leaked gas in this manner could result in serious accidents that may occur at any time. She also had no idea that they were causing loss to the company and the government.
She in fact claimed that they were not commiting an offence; rather they had been saving a lot of money which they would have otherwise have had to spend on buying fuel.
Moreover, Naiko’s main exploration well that was sealed off after the explosion, have remained unguarded for many years.
