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Gas-Danger: “Are we living with live bombs?” |
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May 13, 2000
Dhaka, May 12 (UNB) - “Are we living with live bombs?” Raising a finger to the dilapidated gas distribution lines in the metropolis and its adjoining areas, General Manager of Gas Transmission Company Ltd (GTCL) Engr. Khandakar Saleque aired the apprehension at a seminar here Thursday. The GTCL General Manager also cautioned that gas leakage and subsequent explosive environment might play havoc in the capital unless safety measures are taken before long. He presented a paper titled “Safety and Environmental Aspects of Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution System” at the seminar, marking “Gas Safety Week 2000”. Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) organised the seminar on “Environment, Health and Safety Issues on Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, Production, Transmission and Distribution in Bangladesh” at Petrocentre. Referring to the nationwide supply network, he observed that gas transmission through the major pipelines by no means in good condition when it comes to safety and environment issues. Dhaka City, especially its old part, has extensive network of gas distribution lines built over the years in narrow and congested lanes and by-lanes. These old pipelines are becoming risky in spite of cathodic protection, he added. “Unauthorized connections have created an unalterable situation. Some incidents also occurred in the city in recent years that led to loss of lives and property,” he said. The authorities, he said, have to continue gas supply, a cheaper domestic fuel, to the city dwellers through the unsuited pipelines as little scope has been left to replace them. To ensure safety, he suggested routine lead survey of the distribution network, identification of unauthorized connections and gradual replacement of the network. “If alternative cheaper means like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) could be made available, gas distribution to the densely populated might be replaced,” the GTCL General Manager said. Recalling the Rampura incident, he said, the Demra-Ulan lateral gas pipeline was damaged during driving of piles for construction of residential complex for TV personnel at Rampura TV station. He said he had the privilege of investigation of the incident. “But findings of the investigation cannot be divulged for the sake of confidentiality. It’s a matter of great concern that no action has been taken yet apart from suspending the civil construction work of the project.” Construction of the road linking the nearby highway with the under construction housing complex was the cause of the accident, he said. The GTCL official was also a member of the Jurain gas explosion investigation team. After conducting an extensive field investigation, a report was submitted along with recommendations. “It’s still unknown whether actions were taken to track down the people responsible to address the possibility of any repetition of similar incident,” he said.
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