http://www.newagebd.com/2008/may/12/nat.html
New Age, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Monday, May 12, 2008
Chevron yet to start seismic survey in Kamalganj villages
Our Correspondent . Moulvibazar
US energy company Chevron could not restart their seismic survey at
Baligaon and Baghmara villages of Kamalganj upazila till Sunday in the
face of locals=EF=BF=BD protests against development of cracks in some
house=
s.
The company sent a letter to the deputy commissioner=EF=BF=BDs office
on
Sunday saying that they would give compensation for any damage to
houses and reserve forest because of the survey.
Alkama Siddiquee, DC of Moulvibazar, confirmed the receipt of the
Chevron letter.
The local administration asked the company on Friday for a written
assurance that it would compensate for any damage to any structure
during the seismic survey before it resumes the survey.
The people of Baligaon and Baghmara villages on Thursday and Friday
resisted Chevron survey after they found cracks developed in their
homes during the underground explosions.
A meeting of local people with the Kamalganj upazila
administration, local public representatives and Chevron=EF=BF=BDs
official
was held at the house of Sirajul Islam on Friday.
It was decided in the meeting that the survey work would be
suspended till Sunday. Chevron official Imam Hussain said in the
meeting that the company would take steps to compensate the affected
people after a team of higher officials visit the area on Sunday.
Hazera Khatun, upazial nirbahi officer of Kamalganj, Golam Kibria
Shafi, chairman of Kamalganj union parisad, Sirajul Islam and others
were present in the meeting.
The UNO told New Age on Sunday that they would decide when Chevron
would start work in the villages after getting instruction from the DC
office.
|
