Monitor septic tank, ventilation
A lack of maintenance of septic tanks and buildings, coupled with blocked ventilation ways are putting the capital's buildings at huge risk of explosion. This newspaper yesterday reached out to multiple urban planning experts following the Gulistan explosion, who all echoed the same.
They suggested reducing dependency on air conditioning, ensuring a ventilation system in every septic tank and introducing a yearly inspection system by the authorities concerned to get rid of such risks.
According to the Bomb Disposal Unit of DMP's CTTC unit, the gas accumulated in an airtight room (underground), consequently making the room a gas chamber, which might have been the case with the March 7 explosion in Siddique Bazar.
The gas might be accumulated from the water tank, septic tank, concealed or disconnected gas lines, leaked sewerage pipelines or from a large generator, they observed.
The explosion on the second floor of a building in the capital's Science Lab area resulted in the death of three persons on March 5. This explosion was also due to accumulated gas, suspect two experts after primary investigation.
Rahmat Ullah Chowdhury, in charge of the Bomb Disposal Unit of DMP's CTTC unit, after the incident said the gas could have been accumulated from any concealed gas pipeline or sewerage system.
"An explosion may occur if there is 5-12 percent of the gas in the air of a confined space. There will be an explosion if a flame or a spark causes the ignition," said the official.
He suggested opening the windows and turning on electric fans can help avoid such explosions.
Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, said a vent is a must for a safety tank from where the gas goes out.
"When we construct buildings haphazardly, many building owners shut the vent to get rid of the bad odour. In the process, they activate a ticking time bomb," he said.
Habib also suggested keeping gas cylinders in a place where air can pass properly and ensuring their monthly monitoring.
"A practice of providing occupancy certificates after yearly inspection of all the buildings of Dhaka will have to be introduced under the councillors or mayors, involving Wasa, Desa, Rajuk, the fire service. This team will check whether kitchens are being constructed properly, the gas connection of the kitchen and the condition of the septic tank is alright, elevators are functioning and electric lines are in a good state," he said.
Adil Mohammad Khan, former general secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said the lack of maintenance works in buildings, especially high-rises, is one of the main causes of such accidents.
"In Dhaka, organisations like Wasa, Desa, Rajuk and city corporations are only doing their paper works, without ensuring proper monitoring. For example, Rajuk approves the construction of a building but doesn't provide occupancy certificates after checking whether the buildings were constructed complying with the approved plans," said Adil.
However, contacted, Dhaka Wasa Director (technical) AKM Shahid Uddin said they carry out their maintenance work in sewerage lines every year.
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