Editorial
Gas pipeline blaze
Lack of supervision of pipeline appalling
The incident of underwater gas pipeline going up in flames on the riverbed of river Turag after having been hit by a passing trawler is a deplorable one indeed. The accident damaged the gas pipeline, burnt away huge amount of gas and also damaged wires of an electric transmission line overhead. It was a double loss of national resource and property. It is also a glaring example of how our precious national property remains unprotected and at the mercy of some careless people.
The accident exposed the loopholes that exist in the maintenance of pipelines of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd. The heavily loaded trawler should not have been allowed to pass through the spot under which the distribution pipelines crossed over to the other side. We believe, had there been regular supervision or some kind of warning system at the particular spot the accident could have been avoided. It is also a fact worth keeping note of that the possibility of accidents becomes greater in winter when water level in a narrowing river like Turag goes down considerably. There is no denying that miles of gas pipelines remain unprotected in most areas and the authorities only jump to action when an accident occurs.
We believe that natural gas is one of our precious natural resources; therefore, its conservation and prudent use are pressing imperatives. At the same time, maintenance of gas field equipment and transmission pipelines must be made foolproof to avoid damage and wastage through accidents like the one at Turag. Henceforth we hope the authorities would be proactive in maintenance and protection of the valuable national wealth.
It, however, remains to be said that Titas Gas authorities should take measures to improve the distribution of gas to the city households. In many areas of the city gas pressure remains low for months together though clients have to pay the fixed charges. This is a basic civic amenity that the government has to ensure to every citizen. The authorities concerned, therefore, need to address the complaints of the citizens on a priority basis and do the needful at the earliest.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments