Locals Suspect Illegal Connection Attempt While Titas Undertakes Complex Repair Works
Gas Pipeline Leaking under Arial Khan River for 45 Days
- High-pressure transmission pipeline leaking continuous natural gas underwater at Katiadi, Kishoreganj
- Allegations surface that an unauthorized attempt to tap into the line for a lime factory caused the leak
- Titas denies direct tapping feasibility; repair operations underway amidst strong river currents
At a time when the nation faces acute natural gas shortages impacting both industrial manufacturing and residential cooking, millions of cubic feet of gas have been blowing continuously into the atmosphere for nearly 45 days from beneath the Arial Khan River in Katiadi, Kishoreganj.
The situation in the Kazir Char area of Masua Union sparked intense discussion after footage of giant gas bubbles churning river waters went viral on social media platforms.
Allegations of Gas Theft and Local Disruption
Locals allege that in early June, a lime factory was established on 17 decimals of riverside land owned by Delowar Hossain Talukder of Sunamganj, reportedly assisted by local Union Parishad (UP) member Milon Miah. Witnesses reported that an illegal attempt to bore into Titas's high-pressure main transmission line to draw gas for the factory went wrong, rupturing the pipeline. Following the leak and rising public concern, the factory was abandoned.
While UP member Milon Miah denied any involvement, claiming political conspiracy, Masua UP Chairman Abu Bakkar Siddique confirmed the ongoing leak and demanded a neutral investigation to punish the perpetrators.
Titas Undertakes Complex Underwater Repairs
Md. Mosharaf Hossain, Manager of Kishoreganj Titas Gas Zonal Sales Office, informed that the damaged pipeline serves as the primary supply route for the entire district. For safety reasons, gas supply to roughly 8,000 to 9,000 customers in Kishoreganj has been suspended, and line pressure lowered.
Refuting the gas theft claim, Md. Shamim Hossain, Manager (Operations) of Titas Gas Bhaluka Division, explained, "This is a high-pressure transmission line extending from Monohardi to Kishoreganj DRS, from which drawing direct consumer connections is practically impossible. Repairing an underwater high-pressure line during peak monsoon with heavy river currents and soil erosion is technically challenging, but engineering teams are working round-the-clock."
Katiadi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shamima Afroz Marliz stated that local administration is closely monitoring the situation. She assured that if investigations reveal any intentional tampering or illegal connection attempts after the leak is completely sealed, formal legal charges and cases will be pressed against those responsible.
//DBTech/SI/MI//
