Chevron completes seismic survey
Chevron, one of the world's major energy companies, has completed its 3D seismic survey in Lawachhara forest of Moulvibazar district amid various allegations.
According to Chevron officials, the company will complete its survey work in two other forests in Moulvibazar gas field area within this week.
The Chevron officials informed a team of journalists about the update of its survey work as they visited the forest area on Sunday.
The officials said they have completed about 60 percent of the total survey works and the rest will be completed next month.
They said about 9,000 holes, each 70 feet deep, were dug over 150 square kilometres where the total forest area accounts for 16 percent.
There are three forests -- Lawachhara, Chowtoli and Kalachhara -- in close proximity to the Moulvibazar gas field.
About 1400 holes were dug in the three forests and 700 of them are in the sensitive Lawachhara forest.
Chevron officials said they have successfully set off blasts in all the 700 holes until Saturday last and now the blasts are being carried out in the remaining areas of Chowtoli and Kalachhara forests.
An official of the local forest department, who was present on the spot during the blast, told reporters that they recorded with a machine the sounds ranging from 65 dB to 75 dB caused by the blasts.
Replying to a question, he said Chevron has not conducted any work that could disturb the flora and fauna of the forest.
About the allegation of cracks in the houses alongside the areas where the survey was going on, he said he is aware of such an allegation. “But I should not comment before investigation,” he said.
Some villagers, however, alleged that the cracks on their houses developed after the blasts.
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