Publish : 23 Dec 2016, 06:08 PMUpdate : 23 Dec 2016, 06:40 PM
On December 6, work was going on in building a new road in Dargahpur. Although Bangladesh has large gas deposits deposits, it did surprise the locals when the gas vent was discovered in Satkhira.
Dargahpur Union Chairman Sheikh Miyaraj Ali says: “We dug a hole in the ground to gauge the sand layer. We lowered a measuring pipe into the hole which shot back up with a loud pop.
“We were initially frightened, but after careful examination we concluded it was gas. Some people lit matches over the hole and found it catching fire,” he continues.
The discovery of gas drew many curious people to the village.Both the upazila and district administrations sent representatives to the site.
Chairman Miyaraj says different gas vents have popped up over an acre of land. He says they people are delighted that a pocket of natural resource has been found right underneath their feet. But they are also concerned the administration has not acted on it yet.
He says the locals believe if the gas deposit is developed by authorities concerned, the locals will also benefit along with the nation.
Administration responds
When inquired, Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Abul Kashem Mohiuddin says the local UNO has been asked to submit a report on the gas find. He says Petrobangla will use their technical expertise to assess the gas deposit and make the final call.
Bangladesh has some of the largest gas deposits in Asia, with expert assessments saying there are many gas pockets that are yet to be tapped.
The major gas fields in Bangladesh are currently operated by international fuel giant Chevron, who exclusively sells to Petrobangla, the government-owned fuel company.Also Read- Govt instructs Petrobangla to evaluate Chevron gas field assetsPetrobangla announced plans to divest its holdings in Bangladesh earlier in November.
