22 years pass by without proper compensation

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of a devastating gas well explosion at Magurchhara gas field in Moulvibazar’s Kamalganj upazila.

On June 14 of 1997, a massive explosion at the gas field obliterated natural forests and property worth crores of taka during drilling of a gas well by US energy company Occidental.

After more than two decades of the incident, compensation for the affected however is yet to be realised.

During a recent visit to Magurchhara area the affected people expressed their dissatisfaction to this correspondent over the failure of national political leaders as well as the government in realising appropriate compensation after such a long time.

According to forest department, Lawachhara Reserve Forest, adjacent to the gas well, was greatly damaged in the explosion.

A segun timber garden, established in years between 1944 and 1950; a bamboo garden, established between 1993 and 1995; and a strip of plantation, established in 1994; also sustained extensive damage due fire caused by the blowout.

Trees on about 96 acres in Lawachhara forest were completely burned. Besides, a variety of organisms and animals, for which the forest is a safe habitat, were affected extensively.

Abul Hasan, joint convener of Lawachhara Jib Boichitro Rokkha Andolon, said the loss is irreparable. After losing their habitat to the fire, wild animals have been roaming around in human habitats in search of food.

Quoting different investigation committees formed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, he said the damage done to the forest resources amounted to Tk 9,858 crore and such damage to the ecology will be impossible to recover in the next 50 years.

Saju Marchiang, publication secretary of Khasi Social Council, told this correspondent that the Khasi people received only 10 percent compensation from Chevron.

Abu Musa Shamsul Muhith Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division in Sylhet, said he was not aware of the assessed loss in Lawachhara Reserve Forest due to the gas well blowout and the status of realisation of compensation from Occidental or Chevron.