Machines arrive, raising hopes for gas exploration

Machines required for the first phase of exploration of petroleum products in Dailekh have arrived in Dailekh. Five small containers carrying the machines arrived here from China via Kolkata and Rupaidiya point, raising hope that they will enable the project to conduct exploration works round the clock.

Big containers headed to the district from China remain stuck due to narrow turning points along Karnali and Mid-Hill Highways even as efforts to find a passage for those containers continue. Around 150 containers have reportedly left Rupaidiha in India for Dailekh carrying the exploration tools.      

Chief District Officer Khimraj Bhusal said petroleum exploration works have been expedited. Processes are also underway to address the demands for jobs and financial support coming from project-affected households.

The project, launched after a G2G agreement between Nepal and China, is expected to open avenues for Nepal’s prosperity if it becomes successful, Dailekh Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Kul Bahadur Gurung said.  

However, chief administration officer of Bhairavi rural municipality, Bhupendra Thapa, said locals are against petroleum exploration.  

The drilling for the exploration will go up to four kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. This process is expected to determine the quantity of petroleum products and gas deposits, making way for the next round of works, project Chief Dinesh Kumar Napit said.