Experts Identify Coal-Related Chemical Reactions Behind Persistent Smoke in Ghangi Cliff, Nawalparasi
An expert team investigating the continuous smoke observed for six months at a cliff in eastern Nawalparasi suspects that chemical reactions involving coal-bearing rocks and minerals are generating the smoke and heat. Geologists Prakash Luintel from the Department of Mines and Geology and Shashi Tamang from Dhaudawi Iron Company Limited conducted on-site monitoring, collected samples, and are currently analyzing rocks and water from the area.
The research team reported finding carbonaceous elements typical of coal within the local rock formations. According to the experts, the smoke is emanating in large quantities from beneath the ground in the Ghangi Cliff area, ward number 6 of Hupsekot Rural Municipality, with an accompanying rise in temperature.
“The surrounding trees and foliage are at risk of easily catching fire,” explained geologist Luintel. “We have also detected a change in the water quality, which has become acidic.” The study revealed the presence of residual carbon-rich rock, and there is a possibility of minerals such as pyrite. “Carbon-rich rocks do not burn completely, but when they smolder, they continuously emit smoke. If pyrite is present, sulfur may also be involved, which reacts with oxygen and water to produce heat and smoke,” Luintel added.
Local residents have noted that the quantity of smoke increases significantly with rainfall. “Before the monsoon, only a small amount of smoke was visible, but it expanded substantially once the rains arrived. No matter how heavy the rain, the smoke seems to intensify accordingly,” said local resident Phulmaya Roka Bik. The smoke-emitting site has attracted a growing number of visitors. Luintel cautioned against approaching the area due to potentially hazardous gases, advising locals to avoid using the water there. “We have issued warnings not to go near or use the water, and we are preparing a report on the potential risks,” he stated.
The carbonized rocks in the area may contain a small quantity of low-grade coal. However, preliminary findings show no evidence of petroleum or natural gas deposits. “We have not detected the presence of petroleum or natural gas in the vicinity. The carbon-rich rocks resemble low-moisture coal but are neither suitable for consumption nor commercial use,” Luintel clarified.
Videos capturing smoke and flames from the area have gone viral on social media, with some people expressing fears of a dormant volcano. However, department geologist Luintel dismissed this concern, emphasizing that the region’s geology is not conducive to volcanic activity. “There is no need to worry about a volcano here,” he assured.
Local inhabitants report that the smoke has been visible since mid-March. The smoke intensified following a landslide that displaced soil. Initially, the phenomenon was disregarded as a fire, but when herders observed smoke emerging directly from the rocks, the search and investigation commenced. Resident Rana Bik mentioned that similar smoke had been seen on a nearby mountain about one kilometer away but reportedly stopped afterwards.