Tube-well emits inflammable gas, GSI investigates

Kendrapada, Dec 08 (UNI) The Geological Survey of India (GSI) team, Bhubaneswar circle, led by its Director Subhranshu Roy has inspected a newly dug deep-tube well emitting inflammable gas in Matripada village under Derabisi block of Kendrapada district.

Sources today said the team visited one Nilamani Nayak's house in the village yesrerday to find out the reason behind the emission of such gas from the ground water.

Kendrapada District Magistrate Kashinath Sahu had requested the Orissa government to conduct a survey and ascertain the type of gas evolving from the tube-well since November 25 last.

On interrogation, Nayak (70) informed that after digging 60 feet beneath the ground for setting up a tube-well, he heard a blast and later saw some gases coming out from the pipe along with foam mixed water.

'' Anticipating some gas I put a burning match-stick near the tube-well and it kept burning for hours,'' Nayak added.

Soon after the Nayak informed about the incident to the district administration panic gripped the village.

The District Collector and other district officials have also visited the house to take stock of the situation.

However, the GSI officials after investigation have confirmed that the gas was Methane, which is inflammable.

They have also asked the villagers no to be panicked over the incident.

The officials have also collected the gas and some sticky grey clay to find out other compositions of the gas.

''Such incidents are common in coastal areas as during high tides the decomposed remains of the trees forms a layer of sticky grey clay soil layer on the earth. Methane is evolved from such decomposed things,'' Dr Subhranshu added.

Asked on how long would the tube-well emit the gas, Dr Subhranshu said that it could be ascertained only after examination of the gas.

Meanwhile, thousands of people from nearby villages are coming to see this natural phenomenon.

UNI