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Editorial

Titas moves to overhaul capital’s ageing pipelines

Conduct drives regularly to disconnect the illegal gas connections


Bangladeshpost
Published : 17 Sep 2021 10:40 PM | Updated : 17 Sep 2021 11:56 PM

Capital's gas distribution system has become a death trap over the years. Most of the gas pipelines in and around Dhaka are 30-40 years old and almost dilapidated. These illegal gas connections and old dilapidated pipelines are not only responsible for the wastage of huge amount of gas but also such gas connections often lead to incidents of fire and explosions. Therefore, it is good to note that Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company (TGTDCL) is going to take up a massive project to overhaul its age-old gas pipelines in Dhaka metropolitan city to make the flow more smooth and minimize risks of accidents. Reportedly, the Titas Gas will replace the aged-old pipeline in 60 administrative zones, out of total 139 zones across its command area.

The government should take 

necessary steps to identify the corrupt officials involved in providing 

illegal gas lines and take stringent action against them

Experts are of the opinion that leakages in gas pipelines are responsible for one-third of fire accidents occurring in and around the capital. Reportedly, more than 1,000 fire accidents have happened due to gas leakage in the past year. Whenever any accident occurs, the gravity of this issue gets intensified. After every deadly incident associated with illegal gas lines or leakage in gas pipes, we hear pledges from the authorities concerned that effective measures will be taken. But all fade away with the passage of time, which is why the number of accidents is increasing at an alarming rate.

There are allegations that a section of officials and employees of Titas has become multi-millionaire providing illegal gas connections during the last five years. The corrupt officials who provided illegal connections collect the payment. Thus the government is missing a huge amount of revenue from this sector. Therefore, drives must be conducted regularly to disconnect the illegal gas lines. The government should take necessary steps to identify those corrupt officials involved in providing illegal gas lines and take stringent action against them.