Experts Warn Against Approaching Smoke-Emitting Ghangi Bhir in East Nawalparasi

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Experts Warn Against Approaching Smoke-Emitting Ghangi Bhir in East Nawalparasi

Experts Warn Against Approaching Smoke-Emitting Ghangi Bhir in East Nawalparasi

Ecosphere News Correspondent 2026-09-18 07:03:00

NAWALPARASI EAST, NEPAL - Preliminary scientific investigations have detected carbon monoxide in the unusual smoke continuously emerging from Ghangi Bhir in Hupsekot Rural Municipality-6, East Nawalparasi, prompting experts to advise residents and visitors to stay away from the emission site and avoid consuming nearby water until further testing is completed.
The phenomenon, which has persisted for around five to six months, has drawn growing concern after thick, pungent-smelling smoke began emerging from the ground in the Pelega-Bhandari area. Local residents have reported that similar underground smoke had appeared at different locations of the hillside in the past, although the recent emission has become considerably more noticeable.
A team led by geologist Prakash Luitel from the Department of Mines and Geology, with experts associated with Dhaubadi Iron Company Limited and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), inspected the site on September 16. The team collected samples of rock, soil, water and smoke residues for further laboratory analysis.
According to preliminary findings reported by Kantipur, the smoke contains carbon monoxide, a toxic gas. Experts have therefore urged people not to approach the emission point merely to observe the phenomenon and have advised against drinking water from the surrounding area until its safety is established.
The investigation has also identified carbon-bearing material in the underlying rock. Geologists have suggested that a chemical or geological process involving carbon-bearing rock and minerals may be producing heat and smoke. However, experts have cautioned that the exact mechanism and the presence of other chemicals cannot be confirmed until laboratory results are available.
The situation is particularly significant because the site lies near the Dhaubadi iron-ore area, while settlements are located relatively close to the smoke-emitting hillside. Reports indicate that temperatures at the emission point have exceeded 250°C, with surrounding vegetation and dry materials showing signs of burning. Experts have recommended restricting access to the site and preventing people and livestock from approaching the area.
Earlier reports said smoke had been emerging from the hillside for years, with local residents recalling similar episodes dating back more than a decade. The recent increase in smoke intensity, however, has triggered renewed scientific investigation and public concern.
For now, authorities and experts are urging precaution rather than speculation. The phenomenon should not be treated as a tourist attraction or a potential mineral discovery until comprehensive geological, chemical and environmental assessments are completed.
Ecosphere News will continue to follow the scientific findings and official safety recommendations as laboratory results become available.
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