Kathmandu's population density and lack of a secure pipeline system can make gas distribution difficult and risky. However, for the use of gas like CNG, a cheap and safe technology can be brought by studying international examples. It is wiser to find solutions for commercial use than to sit for years after identifying a gas field. If you cannot use it immediately, you should not delay taking precautions after assessing the possible risks.
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Due to the high population density in Kathmandu valley, there is a shortage of water. Since the pipe line does not reach the places where the new settlement has been expanded, the easy method of boring for drinking water is adopted. As there is no clear policy on where and in what place boring is to be done, it is also causing great risk. The latest example of this is the flame that erupted from the gas during boring construction in Lalitpur's Mahalakshmi Municipality-5 Shantitol on Tuesday.
There has been no further excavation and study since then in the area identified as a gas zone about 45 years ago. Apart from speeches at the political level, none of the structures have done anything more about the use of gas.
At least if the gas fields were protected, it would be possible to use them sufficiently in the future. Unfortunately, such places are now filled with slums. Structures are also being built in the remaining empty space. As there is no study, research and preparation for gas usage, it has increased the risk rather than the opportunity.
The local Tikathali drinking water and sanitation consumer committee was boring. A fire broke out while the pipe was being sealed by digging a bore of about 275 meters depth. This is not the first incident of gas release while digging wells and borings in Kathmandu Valley. Earlier in July 2079, water and gas were released along with water while drilling a borehole at Jorpati Losetar in Kathmandu. The gas had reached up to three floors.
The smell of gas spread throughout the settlement. Similarly, 8 years ago in Bhaktapur Pilagaon, there was a fire due to gas release during deep boring. These events are signs of a serious security risk. About which the state agencies should get enough attention. The scene of people standing around watching and cooking food while the underground gas is coming out in the form of flames shows the urgent need for public awareness about the risk.
It is not that there is no gas potential in the valley. In the year 2034, a team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Mines and Geology studied natural gas in the Kathmandu Valley. The team dug wells for study at 14 different places in the valley including Tikathali in Lalitpur, Imadol, Balkumari, Shankhamul, Balkot in Bhaktapur, Koteshwar in Kathmandu, Tinkune, Teku, Kalimati, Bishnumati Kinar, Bhrikutimandap.
which was also called 'gas well'. With the technical and financial support of the United Nations Development Programme, 14 gas wells were drilled in about 26 square kilometers divided into 3 blocks. In Tikathali area where the gas is now coming out, the team also tested it by digging a 300 meter deep well in 2049/50.
Experts say that the methane gas released in Lalitpur on Tuesday is a greenhouse gas. In nature, it is especially formed when long-lived organic matter accumulates and is eaten. It is used as energy. Methane gas is usually mixed with water and where it is to be used requires technical study and scientific management.
Negligence in safety management and gas extraction process can lead to major accidents. Therefore, since there are settlements in gas areas and construction work is going on in some vacant areas, potential risks should be identified by immediate observation and monitoring of the gas areas under the supervision of the Mines and Geology Department. If there is a possibility of any objection due to gas release, immediate action should be taken to vacate the area and put in place a fire prevention system. It should be compulsory for the companies doing boring or mining operations to identify the places where gas may be released and to adopt special safety measures there.
A study done by JICA 45 years ago showed that there are about 300 million cubic meters of gas in Kathmandu Valley. So, it would be best if we use that gas as energy. Experts are also suggesting that the natural gas of Kathmandu Valley can be used for industrial purposes. They are of the opinion that it can be used by the natural gas industry, hotels and automobiles sector. CNG has been used commercially in neighboring India. Also in Nepal, NV Power Energy and Fertilizer Private Limited is producing CNG in Ramgram Municipality-2 in Nawalparasi West.
Since it is being used even in Nepal, it would be best if a policy and program is made about the possible use of such gas. Kathmandu's population density and lack of a secure pipeline system can make gas distribution difficult and risky. However, for the use of gas like CNG, cheap and safe technology can also be brought by studying international examples. It is wiser to find ways of commercial use than to stay for years after identifying areas with gas. If you cannot use it immediately, you should not delay taking precautions after assessing the possible risks.
