BRAHMANBARIA: Unrelenting leakages in the pipeline of Titas gas field spread fear of blowout on both banks of the river, as the highly combustible fuel spews out with sparks.

Locals apprehend that big explosion might happen due to the leakages.    

Besides, many aquatic animals, including fishes, die due to the effect of the gas leakages deep into the river. 

Experts said major accidents could occur anytime as Titas has been suffering from “internal bleeding and it is breathing fire”.

The leakages in the field areas developed way back in 2005 through which gas has been wobbling out in fires at several points. 

Gas leakage started from different places of Anandapur and Shaympur of North Titas bank four years ago due to the fault of No. 3 well of the gas field.

Recently, the leakages expanded to village Bakail of west bank of the Titas.

At least 10 people from three villages were burnt in fire that came out from the leakages in the last one year. As a result, the inhabitants are in panic of a major blowout, the way Magurchhara hydrocarbon mine in Moulvibazar erupted into an inferno.

A victim of the Titas incident, Eunus Mia, has a story to tell how his home turned into a big gas stove beyond their knowledge. “My face and hands were burnt as I lighted fire for smoking in my room," he says.

He also alleged that he got a small compensation but most of the burnt people did not get any. 

However, general manager of Bangladesh Gas Field Company Limited Majibur Rahman informed that the burn victims got their treatment expenses. "Even, they were taken to Dhaka for better treatment," he said.

A spot account of the potential disaster says the poor villagers are cooking by using the leaked-out gas though they know it is `very` dangerous.

Sources said some tea-stalls of Bakail bazaar are also using the gas oozing out from the leakages

The district administration and Titas gas authorities have jointly been conducting awareness campaign in the villages for one year, but they cannot defuse the panic among the people.

The authorities of the gas field are repeatedly advising people to remain alert to avert any accident.

Signboards are pasted in different points of the village and red flags hoisted at the leakage points.

Meanwhile, locals demanded compensation.

Parliament member and chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Commerce Advocate Lutful Hye Sachchu said, "The government is bound to provide compensation for the victims.”

He asked the local chairmen for preparing a list of the victims.

The lawmaker also assured that he would meet with Bangladesh Gas Field Limited authority after completing the list.

BDST: 1650 HRS, JULY 10, 2010.