Drive continuous to cut illegal gas connections across country

As part of an ongoing campaign against illegal gas connections, mobile courts under the supervision of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division have conducted drives in different districts across the country. 

On Sunday, a team, led by Magistrate Monija Khatun, of the division conducted raids in various locations under Fatullah upazila of Narayanganj district, said a press release on Monday.

During the raid, illegal gas connections were found at M/s Bandhan Steel Works and Habiba Bakery. The connections were disconnected and "killed" the source of gas connection. The two business establishments were illegally using gas worth approximately Taka 14,04,830 and Taka 64,671 per month respectively.

In addition, the team also disconnected 13 illegal residential connections which were using double burners in the area and realized the fine of Taka 10,000.

Simultaneously, another team led by Magistrate Hasibur Rahman raided the Atlaspur and Adhuria areas under Rupganj upazila of the district. They disconnected gas connections to about 220 houses and removed over 700 feet of illegal pipeline, which was part of a distribution line illegally laid over a 3.5-kilometer area.

On the other hand, a mobile court led by Magistrate Saikat Raihan operated in the Joydebpur and Hatiyab areas under Gazipur district. 

During the drive, fines totaling Taka 1,00,000 were collected from M/s Virgo Tobacco and several other industrial and residential establishments for illegal gas connections. 

The overall operation in the district disconnected an illegal gas load of 16,040 cubic feet per hour and removed more than 600 feet of illegal pipeline from industrial, captive and residential sectors.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division and Titas Gas Authority have stated that these operations will continue regularly to ensure a legal and safe gas supply for all.