HM Russel, Amtali (Barguna)

The soil beside the pillar of the 413- feet high tower of Payra Thermal Power Plant has been cut 15 -feet deep and bricks have been taken away.

Locals alleged that the influential Jalil Mridha had cut this land. They fear that the tower will collapse and the power lines will be severed and lives will be lost. Locals demand immediate action against those involved in the incident. The incident took place on Saturday in Purb Kukua village of Kukua union of Amtali upazila.

It has been reported that the transmission line tower of Payra thermal power plant was constructed through Kukua area of East Kukua Union of Amtali Upazila. The arable land next to the tower was cut off by the influential Jalil Mridha on Saturday and sold to BBCO and MMC brickyards. The 126 meter (413 feet) high power tower is at risk because the ground next to it has been cut to a depth of 15 feet.

The locals feared a major accident due to the collapse of the tower. Locals alleged that the dominant Jalil Mridha had cut the soil near the tower 15 feet deep. There is a danger that the tower will collapse and the power line will be severed. They also said that the tower is 126 meters high. If the tower collapses, there is a danger of loss of life. In this way, they demanded to take quick action against the influential Jalil Mridha involved in cutting the soil.

Shahinur Begum, who lives next to the tower, said, I had forbidden to cut soil from the side of the tower but the influential Jalil Mridha did not listen. The ground has been cut so deep that there is a danger of the tower collapsing, damaging houses and killing lives. He demanded immediate action against such criminals.

Influential Jalil Mridha said, today is not new, for several years the soil has been cut and given to brick kilns. There was no problem. But why cut the ground from the side of the tower? He could not answer the question that the tower might collapse.

Md. Ashraf Uddin, Supervising Engineer of Payra Thermal Power Plant, said that legal action will be taken against those involved in the incident.

Amtali UNO Muhammad Ashraful Alam said, after receiving the news, the officials of the upazila land office were sent to the spot. According to his information, action will be taken against those involved in the incident.