Energy Bangla - Tragedies in Dhaka

Repeated tragedies in Bangladesh capital Dhaka are taking tolls. Over the last week two major incidents happened which could be avoided if rules of business were correctly followed. We mourn for victims but we do not try and ensure that these do not happen in future. For few days media create hue and cry. Responsible persons give lip service. But soon everything turns business as usual. We forget these till another incident is repeated. We get smart again. First in Begunbari a multi storied v building collapse led to death of innocent inmates .Then a massive fire triggered from explosion of an unauthorised chemical godown led to more than 100 causalities. Several others are fighting for life in hospitals. In severity this is no less tragic than the Peelkhna tragedy of 2009.Nation is in a state of mourning. We NRBs also pray for the salvation of the souls as well.

There has been hundreds of multistorey buildings in an around Dhaka metropolis which have grown like mushrooms over the last two decades which in most cases violated building codes and have apparently been built without approval of Rajuk. Every time an incident happen, media create hue and cry, blaming and counter blaming are seen. But as the tensions subside people forget to remedy situation. It becomes business as usual till another incident happens. Why not Rajuk carry out extensive survey and take stern actions. All such buildings built without Rajuk Approval must be identified and demolished without any favour to any one. Let Government be relentless and uncompromising here.

Neemtali tragedy must also open eyes to our policy makers. Bangladesh Government has a department named Department Of Explosives [DOE] under Energy and Mineral Resources Department [EMRD] of Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources. For the last decade or so Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the Minister in charge. Chief Inspector of Explosives is required to authorise storage and transportation of any chemicals and explosives and commissioning of any Petroleum infrastructure after testing in his presence. Wonder how and why dangerous low flash point chemical godowns and stores can remain in congested city areas? Why CIE must not be held responsible for the incident at Neemtoli? Who supervises the works of Department of Explosives – Secretary EMRD off course? Is there any accountability? Can Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission play any role here?

We know our Old Dhaka region has become vulnerable for many reasons. Many old buildings are on the verge of collapse, gas and power supply infrastructures are dilapidated. There had been several recorded and unrecorded incidents of electrical or gas related tragedies in the past. We are also concerned about natural gas induced incidents. Gas distribution networks are in vulnerable situation in many parts of old Dhaka. In 1998 an incident of gas explosion at Dhania after flood caused casualties to 9 inmates of a house. Corrosion and erosions have made distribution networks vulnerable. Moreover theft and pilferage of gas and power are rampant in the area. Illegal tampering of gas and power may also cause new disasters in old Dhaka areas.

Bangladesh must try to avoid human tragedies as far as practicable doing all home works correctly. The needs of the hour are

· Rajuk and Dhaka City Corporation must carry out extensive surveys of buildings and houses constructed without approvals. All such houses and apartments or any infrastructures constructed without approval or in contravention of building codes must be demolished with required notice.

· DOE in cooperation with other agencies must survey and identify existence of unauthorised chemicals and explosives storage in Dhaka areas and relocate these to safer places.

· Titas Gas and DESA/DESCO must carry out effective drives against illegal gas and power connections and remove these. Pipe line gas supply to congested city areas may be reviewed and if feasible be phased out .LPG may replace the pipeline supply as distribution system are getting corroded and becoming vulnerable.

· Water supply to Dhaka must rely more and more on surface water. When rivers are cleaned and made free from illegal occupancy gradually subsurface water use must be reduced. Water recycling through waste water treatment in Advanced Water treatment plants must be introduced for irrigation and industrial usage. Continued usage of subsurface water makes Dhaka vulnerable to earth quake.

Bangladesh can not afford to bear the burden of human errors induced catastrophes any more/ sovereign parliament must discuss and reach national consensus how to confront such avoidable human tragedies.