Recently, people who visit Sylhet, Bangladesh, were mesmerised by a video that went viral and showed glowing dirt. This led to questions online about the strange natural events that happen in the area. The place is near Haripur and is called Agni Pahar, which means “Fire Mountain” in the local language. It has been giving off fires for decades, which has drawn scientists and curious tourists.
Where the Flames Came From
An accident during drilling in 1955 caused a methane gas leak that gave Agni Pahar its glow. The ground was cracked by a blast in a gas well, letting methane seep through and catch fire. The fire in the ground has kept going for years, casting blue flames and glowing vents across the mountain. The spot has become a stunning natural wonder because of the unique mix of geology and gas leakage.
- When methane burns, it makes blue lights on the ground.
- The fire has been going strong for more than 60 years.
Thoughts from scientists
According to experts who are studying the site, the underground areas of methane could keep the fires going for another 250 years if nothing is done. This is an example of a natural, endless flame, like those found in other parts of the world where gases seep out of the ground and start to burn on their own.
Scientists have also said that the glowing dirt is dangerous to people and the environment. Because methane is a strong greenhouse gas, it can hurt plants and the air quality in the area if it gets out of hand. People are told to stay on the paths that have been marked and stay away from the places where the flames are strongest.
Interest in tourists and cultural importance
Agni Pahar is now a well-known natural site in Sylhet. A lot of tourists climb up to the mountain to see the flames for themselves. They take pictures of the glowing vents and post about their experiences on social media. To balance the needs of tourists and the safety of the public, local officials continue to warn visitors about the risk of burns and the damage that tourism can do to the environment.
It’s known as “Fire Mountain” in the area, and it represents both a natural wonder and a past industrial accident.
Locals think of the spot when they think of bad luck with gas exploration in the 1950s.
FAQs
What makes the ground in Sylhet glow?
The glow comes from methane gas leaking out of pockets beneath and setting fire to the ground, making blue flames that can be seen.
How long has the Agni Pahar been on fire?
The fire has been going since a gas well explosion in 1955, more than 65 years ago.
When you go to Agni Pahar, is it safe?
People are told to stay on marked roads because methane gas can catch fire and the ground can be dangerous.
Could the fire go out on its own?
Experts think that if nothing is done, the methane areas could keep the fire going for more than 250 years.
What does “Fire Mountain” mean?
The spot was called Agni Pahar, which means “Fire Mountain” in the local language, because of the constant flames and glowing vents.
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