Fresh agitation as 'flare test' begins

Villagers under the banner of Tengrtaila Dabi Aday Sangram Parishad held a rally near the gas field on Thursday with its Convener Azim Uddin Ahmed chaired.

The speakers called upon the authorities to accept their 6-point demand by June 24 or to face tougher agitation.

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The demands include payment of Tk 84 crore in compensation for environmental damage, proper compensation for the 611 families affected by blow-outs, employment for locals, establishment of a gas-based 50 MW power plant near Tengratila, supply of drinking water to villages in the area, setting up of a health complex and inclusion of more 28 families in the list of the affected people.

The speakers alleged that Niko resumed work in Tengratila field without any prior notice. As they started 'flare test' Wednesday night, flames rose up to 50 feet, creating a a panic in the area.

However, an official working for the company said the flare test would be completed within a week and there is nothing to be worried. Permission from Petrobangla was taken for this, he claimed.

A company named Al Mansur from the Gulf has been entrusted with the flare test work, he said.

Doarabazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer claimed that locals were earlier informed of the flare test through loudspeakers.