Turkmenistan has finally taken control of the infamous Darvaza Gas Crater, commonly known as the “Gateway to Hell.” The massive pit has been burning continuously in the Karakum Desert since 1971, when a Soviet gas exploration project accidentally punctured an underground methane reserve.
To contain the leak, scientists ignited the crater, expecting it to burn out in days. Instead, it raged for over five decades.
From Danger Zone to Tourist Attraction
The fiery crater, about 230 feet wide and 100 feet deep, became a major attraction over the years. Tourists often visited the site at night to witness the glowing inferno under the stars. In 2018, officials installed a safety fence and renamed it the “Shining of Karakum.” Despite efforts, no attempt to extinguish the blaze had succeeded—until now.
The Turning Point: Methane Capture Efforts
This week, the Turkmen government surprised the world by announcing a significant reduction in the crater’s blaze. “The fire has been reduced threefold,” said Irina Luryeva, a director at Turkmengaz, during an environmental conference in Ashgabat. “Numerous wells have been drilled around the fire to capture methane,” she added.
She noted that the once-dazzling glow seen from kilometers away is now merely a faint combustion source, indicating measurable success.
Environmental Implications and Global Impact
Turkmenistan holds the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves and has long faced criticism for being the highest emitter of methane through gas leaks, according to the International Energy Agency—a claim the government denies. A 2023 Guardian report revealed that methane emissions from just two of the country’s fossil fuel fields cause more global warming annually than the entire carbon output of the UK.
This bold step to reduce emissions marks a shift in Turkmenistan’s stance on climate accountability. While the blaze hasn’t been completely extinguished, the government’s move signals an evolving strategy toward environmental responsibility and sustainable energy management.
