Tengratila gas leakage panics locals
The leakage of gas in Tengratila field in Sunamganj, which has been abandoned since two big blowouts occurred during well drilling in 2005, has intensified in the last couple of days, sending a panic wave through the surrounding villages.
Bubbles were seen in the trench inside the gas field and in different water bodies in the villages.
"We heard a big sound last Saturday, and since then the gas leakage is getting intensified," said Azim Uddin, a resident of Tengratila village and retired teacher of Tengratila High School.
Gas was emitting through small holes on the road, backyards of houses, and ponds, he said, adding that there were several hundred such places where leakage has been seen.
After the 2005 blowouts, about 200 families were evacuated, and they lived away from homes for about six months.
Farid Uddin Ahmed, headmaster of the adjoining Tengratila High School, said, "Attendance of students has gone down in the last few days due to panic."
Visiting the site on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj Sheikh Rafiqul Islam told The Daily Star, "Since the gas leakage is getting intensified, I have written letters to the Petrobangla chairman, the energy secretary, and the Sylhet divisional commissioner informing them of the situation and urging necessary steps." Meanwhile, many of the villagers have started using the leaked gas through water pipes for household work defying warnings against the hazardous act.
On information, Doarabazar upazila Chairman Idris Ali Bir Protik has visited the villages and asked the residents to remain alert.
The six-acre gas field suffered blowouts on January 7 and on June 25 in 2005 while Canadian exploration company Niko was drilling a gas well there. The field has remained abandoned since a $106m damage suit against the firm is yet to be settled.
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