In a drive to curb illegal gas use, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC on Monday disconnected a total of 2,370 unauthorised connections in Dhaka and adjacent areas through mobile court operations in three separate locations.

The drives, led by executive magistrates from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, took place in Sonargaon of Narayanganj, Karail slum in Dhaka and Kashimpur in Gazipur, said a press release.

In Sonargaon, Executive Magistrate Monija Khatun led operations in Mirertek, Hathurapara, and Noyapur areas, disconnecting around 900 residential burners and an illegal gas line to a lime kiln over a stretch of about 2.5 kilometres.

Authorities also removed and destroyed 100 feet of 2-inch MS pipes, 40 feet of 1-inch MS pipes, along with other plastic pipelines.

In Dhaka’s Karail slum, Executive Magistrate Milton Roy supervised a special drive that cut off 1,050 illegal double-burner connections, saving an estimated 22,050 cubic feet of gas per day.

Some 560 feet of illegal pipelines were dismantled during the operation.

In Kashimpur, Gazipur, Executive Magistrate Sumon Sarkar led raids in Surabari and Dewan Market areas, disconnecting 420 double-burner connections in 160 houses.

Around 610 feet of pipes of various sizes were removed, while seven illegal supply points were permanently sealed off.

Authorities also seized 12 unauthorised regulators.

Titas said all the illegal distribution lines have been permanently severed and similar drives will continue in the future.