Govt to Extract Gas From Mysterious Pocket in Karachi

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) will put out the mysterious fire that erupted last month during drilling operations in Korangi Creek in Karachi. After this, the government plans on extracting the gas from the pocket, reported Dawn. A report on the chemical analysis of groundwater and soil samples revealed elevated concentrations of gases such as benzene and toluene, along with minerals like iron and magnesium. Korangi’s Deputy Commissioner confirmed that experts had submitted their findings, which indicated the presence of heavy metals and large quantities of gases like benzene. PPL now plans to begin efforts to contain the fire with the assistance of specialists. The initial assessment suggested the presence of shallow gases that would likely dissipate on their own. However, after eight days of constant flame intensity, PPL experts reconsidered their approach and decided to explore the underground pocket to determine the extent of the presence of gas. The fire had started after a drilling operation for a borehole, part of a high-rise project, which may have fractured the shale beneath the surface. Benzene, toluene, and tetrachloroethane were found at concentrations far exceeding permissible limits. Further testing also revealed concerning levels of iron, arsenic, manganese, and lead. In a separate filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, TPL Properties reported encountering a pocket of underground gas during water exploration drilling near the same area. The gas was identified as shallow biogenic methane, a naturally occurring substance formed from decomposing organic material. TPL also assured that their investigations, including geotechnical studies, environmental assessments, and regulatory compliance, were carried out with the necessary approvals and in collaboration with both local and international experts.