Ukhiya, Oct 30 (V7N) – The Ukhiya upazila administration has imposed restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, banning public entry and presence within 200 metres of the underground gas fire site in Inani to ensure public safety.
The order was issued on Thursday in a notice signed by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Panna Akter. The restrictions will remain in force until further notice.
According to the order, the fire broke out on October 27 while a deep tube well was being installed at a house near Chhoto Inani Khal Bridge in Ward 6 of Jaliapalong Union. Gas began escaping and caught fire as a drilling pipe was inserted to a depth of around 1,000 feet underground.
Several Fire Service units worked to control the blaze under the supervision of the upazila administration.
After the incident raised the possibility of an underground natural gas deposit, a technical team from the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) visited and examined the site, providing necessary technical guidance and recommendations.
The order also said an emergency meeting was held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Thursday to address the situation and ensure public safety. The meeting decided to divide the fire site and surrounding areas into different security zones and introduce precautionary measures.
Under the restrictions, lighting fires, smoking, using matches or lighters, and carrying out any activity that could create sparks are prohibited at the site and in surrounding areas. Public entry and presence within an estimated 200-metre radius of the fire source have also been banned.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abu Abdullah said legal action would be taken against anyone violating the order.
END/MSI/SMA/
