The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chevron, an international oil company, has launched an investigation to find out the causes behind the cracks developed in mud-houses of Lawachhara national forest in Moulvibazar where it has been conducting a seismic survey. There have been press reports that cracks have developed in a number of mud-houses of the Lawachhara forest following the start of Chevron' s 3D seismic survey.

Local residents alleged that the cracks have developed in their hoses because of the seismic survey.

When contacted, Chevron Bangladesh chief Steve Wilson told UNB that his company has initiated an investigation following reports on cracks in some houses of the forest.

He said they want to see whether the damage has been done by their seismic activities, which might have been affected due to soil structure or week construction.

"We take up such claims seriously and will act accordingly. We've taken extreme care and special precautions in conducting the seismic work in locations where there are human settlements," he said.

Wilson said a safe zone of a 75-meter radius is respected around household structures to avoid any impact. Usually, the impact from the seismic waves is not strong enough to make structural damages. About the formation of a new monitoring committee, he said Chevron welcomes it and considers its formation as an opportunity for the company to demonstrate that the seismic work is being carried out in full compliance with the Environment Management Plan approved by the government.

Steve, however, said he had conveyed his concern to Petrobangla that no representative of Petrobangla and Chevron has been taken "onboard" the committee, which, he believes, would have facilitated good coordination.

He said Chevron would continue to provide its full cooperation to make sure all terms of the ECC are followed.