Energy source: Gas ‘discovery’ delights Rajanpur residents

Villagers discovered a natural gas pocket while digging for water. PHOTO: FILE

Mohammad Ramazan told The Express Tribune that he was digging at his 2-kanal plot for groundwater when he heard a hissing sound. “We had dug only about 25 feet by them,” he said.

“The smell was similar to natural gas. When a piece of burning wood was brought near it, there was a small explosion,” he said.

He said that he called other villagers to witness the discovery.

“We bored at five other places and found gas there too,” he said.

Ahmed Rasheed, another resident of the area, said that they had informed district officials who had not responded yet.

“We hope that the government can find a use for the gas and share it with us,” he said. He said that the bores had now been plugged.

No government official was available for comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2012.