'Gas' from dry riverbed raises people's hopes

NAWADA: Scores of people assembled near Khuri river, half a kilometre from here, after news of gas emanating from the dry river bed spread in the
town.

It was first noticed by petty sand-diggers around six in the morning. Later,the Nawada mines and geology department sent its inspector there. He said the smell was like "cooking gas" and that he has informed his seniors in the state capital. The gas was still coming out of the riverbed till reports last came in. Nawada DM Yogendra Bhakt could not be contacted as he was busy holding court.

Local residents were happy about it and said "it could do wonders for Bihar". Sheikhpura district mines and geology department officer, Sanjay Kumar, was of the opinion that the gas could be coming out due to the trees or shrubs buried underneath a long time ago which consequently might have turned into gas. He directed his Nawada counterpart to collect its sample in jars and send it for further tests to authorities in Patna.

However, he said natural gas is found at least three to four km deep and not mere six inches below as is the case here.

Source : Times of India