Tengratila fire now 'out of Niko hand'

Jono Udyog and Green Force form a human chain in the city yesterday demanding punishment to those responsible for Tengratila gas field blow-out and compensation from the Niko Resources Limited. PHOTO: STAR

The raging fire at Tengratila gas field continued for the fifth day yesterday with the roaring flames leaping more than 350 feet and the pressure of burning gas leaking through various points further intensified.

Part of the rig base at the gas field fell into the burning relief well with a big bang at about 2:30pm yesterday, Niko sources said.

Seeking anonymity, they admitted they have 'nothing to do' to tame the blaze. "We simply have to wait for it," one source said.

Meanwhile, local environmentalist forums and other organisations formed a 'human chain' and held a rally near the gas field area yesterday, demanding immediate scrapping of the contract with Niko and compensation for the damage of gas and environment.

The rally held the Canadian company responsible for repeated destruction of gas resources.

The government-formed probe committee headed by Dr Anwarul Azim visited the gas field area yesterday.

They talked to officials of Niko and Bapex and others including local people.

The committee will sit with Niko officials in Sylhet today, said an official of Sunamganj district administartion.

An official of the Canadian company, Niko, claimed US company Century have agreed to provide a rig for the proposed relief well at Tengratila. But shifting of the rig from Unocal's Moulvibazar gas field will begin at least after two to three weeks because it is engaged in drilling of Well-6 there, he mentioned.

"Although we now have to wait for a stable situation at Tengratila, it will take less time to start drilling of the proposed relief well as we have a ready pad to be used for the purpose," he said.

Asked about compensation for inhabitants of the adjacent villages, the Niko official said the company had shifted 76 families after the 7 January blowout and fire. Since they were yet to return to their houses on safety grounds, the company would continue to provide them assistance, he added.

He declined to say anything on the losses caused by the blowout and fire this time. "We will just have to wait for the report of the government-formed probe committee," he said.

Some of the villagers who had moved to safer places leaving their houses after Friday's explosion and fire were found coming back yesterday. But no female members of the families returned.