Parts of capital facing gas crisis

Residents of different areas in the capital have been facing a gas crisis since Monday night as Titas Gas authorities disconnected a gas line hours after a leakage was found in the pipeline at Begunbari.
Gas crisis was reported in Tejgaon, Mirpur, Basabo, Badda and Moghbazar areas.
Sources in the gas company said the leakage developed at about 5:00pm Monday during ongoing development works for Hatirjheel Lake project.
Witnesses said the gas, transmitted at a high speed, was emitting a high-pitched sound that frightened residents of Begunbari.
Locals were afraid the gas emitted could lead to fire incidents.
Fire Service and Civil Defense officials said they were prepared for any fires in the area.
Contacted, Engr Moqbul Ahmed, manager (emergency) of Titas Gas, said they disconnected the supply line, which comes from Demra, to start repairing the damaged pipeline.
He said the people in the affected areas are getting gas through an alternative line, which is why the gas pressure is very low.
Residents of the areas, however, alleged that gas supply has been totally cut off.
Moqbul Ahmed could not ascertain when gas supply will resume at normal pressure. "It will take time as we are facing a lot of difficulties in repairing the leaked gas line," he said.