Mounting uncertainties

This speaks of the very shoddy level of preparedness of the company, and the lack of planning to tackle emergencies, that such operations normally entail. The only damage control mechanism lies in drilling another well for which a rig has to be brought in from Maulvi Bazaar. No one is certain how long that might take. In the meanwhile the fire will continue to rage, the environment and the surroundings and the people will continue to suffer.

Over 800 families have been affected by this blowout, not to speak of the over 600 or so affected in the Jan disaster, and their means of livelihood and of sustenance in the form of land and drinking water all but destroyed.

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There are two immediate actions that the authorities must undertake without delay. One is to bring the fire under control and the other is to provide immediate relief to the affected people. While one notes the constitution of two separate bodies for investigating the causes of the accident and the extent of damages, one by the JS to evaluate the damage to the ecology, what is needed more than ever is to initiate action to contain the blaze. Probing the causes can come later. The sufferings that the two blowouts have caused to the local people are immense and actions to mitigate them must be taken without waiting for the outcome of the probes. Human sufferings cannot wait for probe reports and formalities of the like.

We also wonder whether the terms of reference of the probe committees include investigating the technical and administrative competence of the company. This must be done to ensure that it indeed has the all the wherewithal to complete their tasks.