Petrobangla Footpath in Nikunja Freed from Encroachment: Relief from Longstanding Dangerous Conditions

The footpath surrounding the head office of the Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), a Petrobangla subsidiary, and the adjacent CNG filling station in the Nikunja-2 area of the capital, has finally been cleared of illegal encroachment.

The long-term silence and indifference of the administration and relevant authorities had allowed a growing number of illegal shops, tea stalls, hotels, and open cooking stoves to spring up next to this vital government installation, posing a serious risk to public safety and the security of the facility.

The RPGCL building, which falls under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, utilizes gas pressurized to approximately 3,000 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) daily, which must be stored according to the highest international standards. Experts stressed that setting up open cooking stoves and oil burners on the footpath next to this high-pressure gas installation was extremely dangerous. A minor gas leakage or contact with a spark could have led to a catastrophic explosion at any moment, potentially destroying not only the facility but also nearby government offices and densely populated residential areas.

Local sources revealed that over the past two years, the RPGCL authority had formally requested the Khilkhet Police Station to evict the illegal structures at least three times. Unfortunately, no effective action was taken. Instead, the number of encroachers continued to grow, causing intense anger and concern among local residents.

Finally, following a sustained local movement and consecutive media reports, the administration was compelled to act. The Khilkhet Thana Police conducted an eviction drive on Monday morning. During the operation, all shops, temporary structures, and dangerous cooking stoves built on the occupied footpath were completely dismantled.

Md. Sajjad Hossain, the
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khilkhet Police Station, commented, “Ensuring public safety is our main responsibility. We observed the situation closely and realized that these structures genuinely posed a major risk. Therefore, we conducted the eviction drive, disregarding any pressure from influential circles. Our strict stance against such illegal encroachment will continue in the future.”

Jahid Ikbal, a permanent resident and social worker in the area, said, “For years, we have been vocal against this horrendous administrative negligence. Operating open cooking stoves next to a government gas installation was an extreme example of administrative apathy. We are relieved that the police have finally taken action, but the fear of re-encroachment remains unless those responsible for creating this dangerous situation are identified and held accountable.”

The primary demand of the locals now is that the cleared area be declared a ‘Minimum Safety Distance Zone’ to prevent re-encroachment. Furthermore, they stress the need for regular police patrols and monitoring by the security wing of the relevant ministry.

Analysts believe this eviction drive is not just an administrative step, but the result of public awakening against years of mismanagement. However, the question remains: why did the administration remain silent for so long, and why wasn’t this dangerous situation prevented earlier?
Today’s operation is a positive precedent for public safety and accountability, but its permanent resolution depends on subsequent monitoring and ensuring accountability from the relevant authorities. If the perpetrators are not identified and punished, the shadow of re-encroachment may yet return to border this crucial energy installation.