Gas Fire From a Tube-Well at Inani Still Burning; Section 144 Imposed Within 200 Metres

The fire that broke out in gas escaping during the installation of a deep tube-well at Inani in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, has still not been extinguished. To ensure public safety, the upazila administration has imposed Section 144 around the site and its surrounding area.

The information was given in a public notice signed on Thursday night (29 October) by Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Panna Akter.

According to the notice, in the area adjoining the Inani Chhoto Khal bridge in Ward No. 6 of Jaliapalong Union, public entry and presence have been prohibited within approximately 200 metres of the fire's source. The ban will remain in force until further notice. At the same time, lighting fires, smoking, and the use of matches and lighters — along with any activity that can create sparks — have been prohibited.

The notice says that at around 7 am on 27 October, while a tube-well was being installed at a house near the Inani Chhoto Khal bridge, a pipe was driven about 1,000 feet below the ground, from where gas began to escape; the fire then started.

Several Fire Service units are working to control the fire under the supervision of the upazila administration. The army has also joined the effort.

To avoid accidents, electricity supply has been temporarily shut off across roughly 15 kilometres of the surrounding area.

It is initially believed that natural gas reserves may exist in the area. After learning of the matter, a technical team from the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) visited and observed the site and gave necessary directions and advice.

An emergency meeting was held on Thursday at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources to deal with the situation and ensure public safety. The meeting decided to divide the fire's source and the adjoining area into different safety zones and take precautionary measures. Section 144 was imposed in line with that decision.

The notice says legal action will be taken against anyone who violates the order. The officer-in-charge of Ukhiya police station has been requested to deploy the necessary number of personnel for security. The chairman of Jaliapalong Union Parishad has been asked to arrange extensive publicity, including announcements by loudspeaker, on an urgent basis.