Encouraging signs of natural gas have been identified in the Jalajle region of Bhairavi Rural Municipality-1, Dailekh. Nepali officials report that the discovery emerged during excavations conducted with financial and technical assistance from China.

The geological survey, led by China’s government agency, China Geological Survey, alongside CNPC Sibu Engineering Company, began drilling operations on April 28 last year. Initially, the project aimed to assess the presence of all types of petroleum products. However, Prakash Luintel, a geologist at the Department of Mines and Geology and spokesperson for the Petroleum Exploration Project, revealed to Nepali media that the findings strongly suggest the presence of natural gas.

“Our goal was to drill to a depth of 4,000 meters, and by Sunday, we had reached 3,948 meters. All indications point to the presence of natural gas,” Luintel stated. Specialized equipment detected traces of gas during the excavation process.

Currently, efforts are focused on verifying the presence of gas underground. If confirmed, further studies will evaluate its commercial viability.

‘Akhand Deep’ Fuels Religious and Tourist Interest
In Bhairavi Rural Municipality, natural gas emissions have led to fires spontaneously igniting in various areas, including Shirsthan and Nabisthan. These sites, where the ‘Akhand Deep’ remains perpetually burning, have become significant religious and tourist attractions.

‘Signs Detected at Three Levels’
The excavation site has attracted widespread attention from both domestic and international visitors. Rita Kumari Shahi, the head of Bhairavi Rural Municipality, noted, “People from neighboring districts and even India are coming to see the site. Whenever I visit, I can smell the gas.” She added that workers have observed signs of gas at three distinct depths.

Initially, the exploration aimed to identify oil reserves, with over three dozen technicians, geologists, and locals actively participating. Geologist Luintel shared that positive indications of gas appeared at a depth of 2,200 meters, and these signs have persisted as the drilling progresses.

“Only about 50 meters remain to be drilled,” Luintel explained. “Once the excavation is complete, we will release a comprehensive report of the findings and analysis.”