- U-Report
VIVA – Turkmenistan has a crater of fiery gas or well-known as the Gates of hell because the view from this crater is full of blazing fires that never goes out. The government of Turkmenistan earlier this year ordered the closure of the Gates of Hell that located in Turkmenistan's Karakum desert.
The Gates of Hell is a tourist attraction and it has been lit for more than five decades. But considering the health side, local authorities called for extinguishing the fire. Here are some interesting facts to know about the Gates of Hell.
1. The Origin of the Gates of Hell
The Gates of Hell appeared in 1963 when a well was drilled in the Chaldzhulba field. At that time, they were looking for a hole there which was then filled with gas.
The crater was set on fire to prevent people and animals from being intoxicated by the gas. Experts predict the fire will go out on its own in a few days.
However, it didn't go well. The large number of thin layers with aquifers and dense layers within the crater kept the fire burning for more than 50 years.
2. Become a Tourist Attraction
In 2017, the government of Turkmenistan realized the potential of the Gates of Hell crater and started promoting it. The government officially allowed people to visit the crater.
There are yurt facilities, camping areas, toilets, and a parking lot around the crater for visitors. Many tourists choose to camp near the crater because the crater is most beautiful to see at night.
This place has been the subject of numerous documentaries as well as the backdrop for films. Every year thousands of people visit the Gates of Hell to see it up close.
3. The President Asks the Gates of Hell to be Extinguished
The President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov gave the order to extinguish the Gates of Hell, preventing it from wasting natural gas resources. Moreover, this is also a danger to the environment and local residents around it.
As quoted from Nypost on January 9, 2022, another reason behind the extinguish is to increase state revenue. By extinguishing the fire at Hell's Gate, Turkmenistan's natural gas reserves will not be wasted and can be sold as an export commodity.
4. Extinguish Plan
Researchers from a research institute related to Turkmenistan's national gas company, Turkmengaz are working on a plan to extinguish the burning natural gas crater.
The director of the research institute, Bayrammyrat Pirniyazov, came up with the idea to turn it off, by drilling a well in the Chaldzhulba field, the region that houses the burning crater.
The drilling of a new well was carried out to extract excess gas from the gas source that feeds the fire in the crater. Researchers believe it will extinguish fires on the surface.
