By Bomlal Giri, Nawalpur, July 4: Residents of Ghangi Bhir of Hupsekot Rural Municipality-6, Nawalpur, have become increasingly concerned after smoke with a strong gunpowder-like smell has been continuously rising from the ground for the past three months.
Locals informed the District Police Office on Thursday after the smoke continued without interruption.
A police team that visited the site confirmed that smoke with a pungent smell resembling gunpowder has been emerging from beneath the ground for the past two to three months, according to Superintendent of Police Yubaraj Khadka.
“We inspected the site and found smoke with a strong gunpowder-like smell continuously coming from underground. We do not know what is causing it, and the matter falls outside our area of expertise,” SP Khadka said.
Ward Chairperson Chham Bahadur Somai Magar said a similar incident occurred about 15 years ago and lasted for around one and a half years before stopping on its own. He said the reappearance of the phenomenon has created fear among local residents and that the matter has been reported to both the District Police Office and the rural municipality.
Magar said there had been a small landslide in the forest where the smoke is emerging, but no major slope failure had occurred.
Around 35 households are located in Pele, about one kilometre north of the affected site. The Department of Mines and Geology said the cause could only be determined after a detailed scientific study.
Deputy Director General Dr. Ganesh Nath Tiwari said the department is ready to conduct an investigation if formally requested by the local government.
Dr. Tiwari said the prolonged and recurring nature of the phenomenon suggests it could be related to geological or mineral conditions.
Pandey said the rural municipality has already informed the District Administration Office and the District Police Office, and will soon hold an executive meeting to formally request the Department of Mines and Geology to carry out a detailed investigation.
The Rising Nepal
