Stop seismic survey in Lawachhera

Environmentalists and other organisations form a human chain protesting Chevron's seismic survey in Lawachhera Reserve Forest.Photo: STAR

Different environmentalist organisations yesterday formed a human chain at Lawacheera Reserve Forest in Moulvibazar to press their demand to stop the seismic survey there by US oil company Chevron.
The human chain formed at the entry point of Lawachhara tourist rest house. Activists of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Sylhet Poribesh Andolon, Moulvibazar Poribesh Andolon, Hobiganj Poribesh Andolon, Movement for Realiaation of Compensation for Magurchhara Gas Explosion, Human Right Implementation Organisation, Srimongal, and Khasia Welfare Society jointly organized the human chain.
Tourists who came to visit Lawachhara forest yesterday also took part in the human chain.
Speaking on the occasion, BAPA joint general secretary Sharif Jamil urged to the government to exclude 1250 hectares Lawachhara forest from the survey by Chevron. He also urged the authorities relocate the railway line which runs through Lawachhara forest.C
Cracks appeared on walls of at least 30 houses and a mosque at Lawachhara reserve forest and its adjacent areas following explosions during 3D seismic survey by Chevron on April 25 and 26.
Besides, about 200 betel leaf plants of indigenous Khasia people were damaged in a fire hat originated from the explosion during survey. People are on panic in this incidents.