Haripur’s ‘Fire Mountain’ Continues to Burn Decades After 1955 Gas Blast
Title: Haripur’s ‘Fire Mountain’: The Eternal Flame That’s Burned for Decades After the 1955 Gas Blast
Meta Description: Discover Haripur’s mysterious “Fire Mountain” (Jwaler Pahar), a hillside in Bangladesh that has burned non-stop since a catastrophic 1955 gas explosion. Explore its history, science, and cultural impact.
Haripur’s “Fire Mountain”: The Eternal Flame Burning Since 1955
In the quiet, verdant district of Haripur in Bangladesh’s Thakurgaon region, a mysterious phenomenon draws curious travelers and scientists alike. Known locally as Jwaler Pahar or “Fire Mountain,” this hillside has been continuously ablaze since 1955, when a catastrophic natural gas explosion ignited fires deep within its soil. Decades later, the flames still flicker, defying extinction and leaving behind a legacy of awe, tragedy, and unanswered questions.
The Inferno Begins: The 1955 Gas Blast
In 1955, during an exploratory drilling operation by the then-Pakistan Petroleum Limited (now Bangladesh Petroleum), a massive buildup of natural gas triggered a violent explosion. The blast lit the hillside on fire and sent plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
Despite efforts to extinguish it, the fire stubbornly persisted. Locals soon realized the flames were fueled by underground methane gas reserves seeping through coal seams and porous rock, creating a self-sustaining inferno. Weeks turned into years—and eventually, decades—with Fire Mountain becoming an eerie fixture on Haripur’s landscape.
Why Hasn’t the Fire Gone Out?
The Science Behind the Eternal Flame
Fire Mountain’s longevity is rooted in geology:
- Methane Gas Leaks: The hillside sits atop a natural gas reservoir, which continuously feeds the flames.
- Coal Seam Fires: Underground coal deposits ignited during the blast still smolder, acting as a secondary fuel source.
- Porous Soil: The area’s sandy soil allows oxygen to circulate, enabling combustion deep below the surface.
Experts compare it to Centralia, Pennsylvania—a U.S. town abandoned due to an unquenchable coal fire—but Fire Mountain’s flames are far more visible and culturally embedded.
Impact on Haripur: From Tragedy to Tourist Attraction
Environmental & Economic Toll
- Ecological Damage: The fire has scorched vegetation and altered soil chemistry, leaving patches of barren land.
- Lost Resources: Valuable natural gas reserves continue to burn uselessly, a loss for energy-starved Bangladesh.
Cultural Significance
Despite its destructive origins, Fire Mountain has become a symbol of resilience and mystery. Locals share ghost stories about the site, dubbing it the “Gateway to Hell.” Others consider it a divine oddity, with some using its heat to cook food or warm themselves during winter.
Tourism Boom
In recent years, adventure seekers and photographers flock to Haripur to witness the surreal sight of flames dancing across the hillside at night. The government has even designated it as an eco-tourism site, installing viewing platforms and safety barriers.
Debates & Future Outlook
Should the Fire Be Extinguished?
Efforts to douse the flames have been minimal due to:
- Technical Challenges: Extinguishing deep-seated gas and coal fires is costly and complex.
- Tourism Value: The site now generates revenue and global attention for Haripur.
However, environmentalists argue the perpetual burning releases harmful CO2 and pollutants, demanding urgent action.
Climate Change Connections
While Fire Mountain’s emissions are minor compared to industrial sources, it highlights a global issue: uncontrolled methane leaks contribute significantly to greenhouse gas buildup. Scientists study the site to better understand similar phenomena worldwide.
Visiting Fire Mountain: A Traveler’s Guide
- Location: Haripur Upazila, Thakurgaon District (near the Indian border).
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings or cool seasons (November–February), when flames contrast starkly against the dark sky.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine your trip with visits to Thakurgaon’s tea gardens, Nagar River, and ancient Kantajew Temple.
Safety Note: Stay on marked paths—underground fires can destabilize terrain.
Conclusion: A Burning Mystery of Nature & Industry
Haripur’s Fire Mountain is more than a geological curiosity; it’s a haunting reminder of humanity’s fraught relationship with natural resources. As the blaze enters its eighth decade, it challenges us to confront questions about energy waste, environmental stewardship, and the unintended consequences of industrial ambition.
For now, Jwaler Pahar continues to burn—a flickering beacon of nature’s indomitable power and a must-see wonder on Bangladesh’s tourism map.
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Meta Description: Explore Haripur’s Fire Mountain (Jwaler Pahar), a hillside burning since a 1955 gas explosion. Learn about its science, history, and role as Bangladesh’s eerie tourist attraction.
