The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Chevron, US-based one of the world's largest energy companies, has completed its 3D seismic survey in Lawachhara forest in Moulvibazar amid various allegations.

Chevron will complete its survey works in other two forests in Moulvibazar gas field area within this week. About 60 per cent of the total survey works and the rest would be concluded next month, according to the officials of the Chevron.

About 9,000 holes, each 70-feet deep, were dug over 150 square kilometres where the total forest area accounts for 16 per cent, they said.

There are three forests - Lawachhara, Chowtoli and Kalachhara - in close proximity on the Moulvibazar gas field. About 1,400 holes were dug in the three forests and of them 700 in the sensitive Lawachhara forest, they added.

Chevron have successfully set off blasts in all the 700 holes until Saturday last and now the blasts are being carried out in the remaining areas of Chowtoli and Kalachhara forests, said Chevron officials.

An official of the local forest department, who was present on the spot during the blast as part of his duty, said that they

recorded with a machine the sounds ranging from 65 dB to 75 dB caused by the blasts.

Normally the sound range remains below 70 dB. But in some places it varies up to 75 dB, which is allowable under the forest and environment rule.

The forest official, wishing anonymity, said, "Chevron was conducting the survey works in compliance with the rules although initially there were some flaws as more people than required were working in the forest. But, now they are 'ok' as they reduced their manpower to allowable 7," he said.

Chevron has not conducted any work that could disturb the flora and fauna of the forest. It is also not true that birds and animals are deserting the forest due to the survey activities, he said.

About the allegation of cracks in mud-houses alongside the areas where the survey was is going on, he said that he was aware of such an allegation. "But I should not comment before investigation," he said.

Moreover, villagers, however, alleged that the cracks on their mud-houses developed after the blasts.