FOR over a month, when the rains were lashing Karachi, massive but highly dangerous gas leak has been continuing at the intersection of Khayaban-i-Muhafiz and Khayaban-i-Shujaat Phase 6, DHA.
It’s unfortunate that no one in DHA, SSGC or any other department or official has taken any action to stop the leakage. The leakage is taking place in the SSGC pipes running in the storm-drain. This is causing foaming through the drain holes. The area is infested with gas smell.
This could lead to a big disaster if any burning cigarette or flammable material comes in contact with the leakage. It’s a residential area with a petrol pump just five steps away.
The gas leakage has also affected domestic gas supply in the area and consumers remained deprived of supply for almost a week.
Two staff members of the gas supply company visited the nearby Ali Masjid about 10 days ago and wanted to know of leakages in the area.
They were guided to the exact spot and confirmed a gas leak but no action was taken. Around three days ago, they came back to plug the leak but were reportedly stopped by traffic police owing to some VIP movement in the area. Since then no action has been taken and the gas continues to leak.
Immediate action should be taken to avoid a disaster.
A concerned citizen
Karachi
Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2019
