Mobile court disconnects illegal gas lines in Keraniganj. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Oct 21, 2025 (BSS) - A mobile court in Keraniganj has disconnected several illegal gas lines from industrial and residential users, saving the government an estimated Taka 20 lakh worth of gas per month.

The drive, led by Executive Magistrate Monija Khatun under the supervision of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, was conducted in Baherchar and Rayerchar areas of Shakta Union under Keraniganj Model Police Station, said a press release today.

During the operation, illegal gas connections in six industrial factories and three residential houses were removed. Evidence of unauthorized gas use was found in five washing and wire factories as well as one under-construction factory under the Jinjira branch of Medhabibi-2.

A total load of 9,100 cubic feet per hour was cut off from the factories that had been using gas illegally for boilers, dryers, and furnaces. Among them were four washing factories, including Haven Washing, and one wire factory in the Baherchar area.

The mobile court also seized a large quantity of equipment used for unauthorized gas connections, including five 3/4-inch ball valves, about 180 feet of 1-inch and 3/4-inch pipes, 10 feet of 2-inch hose pipe, three motors, three boosters/compressors, three bar burners, and four pipe burners.

Each factory's illegal service line was permanently disconnected from the main source to prevent future illegal tapping.

In addition to industrial users, two residential customers in Juwail, Rayerchar area were disconnected for using gas beyond approved limits, while another illegal residential line was found and removed from a nearby factory yard.

According to officials, the operation will save 68,338 cubic meters of gas monthly, equivalent to Taka 20,84,309 in market value - a significant contribution to national energy conservation and security.

Authorities said the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and concerned distribution agencies are determined to eliminate all illegal gas connections. Regular and intensified mobile court drives will continue to prevent unauthorized gas use and stop wastage of valuable state resources.