Gas ignites from submersible pump in Gopalganj, sparking curiosity

Gas coming out with water from a submersible pump in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj has sparked curiosity among locals after it caught fire when a lighter was brought near the pipe.
The incident occurred at Bhasai Bazar in Bandhabari union, where hardware trader Kamrul Sheikh installed the pump about a year ago to supply water to fish-carrying vehicles.
Kamrul said the pump had been producing less water than usual over the past week. On Wednesday night, he brought a gas lighter near the pipe’s opening and noticed flames, prompting a crowd to gather at his shop after the news spread.
“I installed the pump at a depth of 280 feet about a year ago. Water output has declined over the past week. When I brought a gas lighter near the pipe on Wednesday night, flames appeared,” Kamrul said.
Locals visited the spot after hearing about the incident and called for an expert investigation to establish whether gas was present underground.
Kotalipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saif-ul-Arefin said he had sent local land officials to inspect the site after learning about the incident. “Based on their reports, I have initially confirmed the incident. I will visit the spot on Friday and take further steps,” he said.