“The doors of hell close”: Turkmenistan puts an end to the crater in flames that has been burning for half a century

At the heart of the Karakoum desert, the famous crater of Darvaza, nicknamed the “doors of hell”, fascinates as much as he worries. For fifty years, this fiery abyss has been spitting flames visible for miles, fueled by methane leaks. This natural phenomenon, although spectacular, represents a considerable environmental danger. With the will of the Turkmen authorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, measures are finally envisaged to extinguish this blaze. However, the economic and tourist challenges linked to this site ask many questions about the future of this remote region of Turkmenistan.

A persistent environmental danger

Darvaza’s crater, a true symbol of the fight against climate change, continues to burn the chagrin of environmentalists. The flames which escape from this cavity 70 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep are powered by methane, a greenhouse gas much more powerful than carbon dioxide. The International Energy Agency has revealed that Turkmenistan holds the world record in the number of methane super-emissions, an unenviable title that highlights the environmental impact of this country.

Methaneresponsible for around 30 % of global warming since the industrial revolution, has become a major concern. Although Darvaza’s contribution to the country’s methane discharges is marginal, the image he returns is that of an environmental disaster awaiting resolution. The Turkmenian authorities, aware of the issues, ordered the extinction of these flames to reduce gas emissions and protect the environment.

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Crucial economic issues

The decision to extinguish the “doors of hell” is also motivated by economic reasons. Turkmenistan, rich in gas reserves, sees in methane a precious resource which, instead of consuming itself unnecessarily, could be exploited. President Gourbangouly Berdymoukhamedov stressed the importance of recovering these raw materials to generate profits and improve the well-being of the population.

“Precious raw materials are lost. Their export could generate significant profits, “said the head of state.

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To do this, the state company Turkmengaz has embarked on a process of controlling the gas supply of the crater. However, the geological peculiarities of the Karakoum desert complicate this task, because the basement is composed of many layers alternating gas and water. The objective is to reduce the intensity of the flames and, ultimately, to completely eliminate gas emissions.

Potential decline tourism

Darvaza’s crater, although dangerous, attracts tourists from around the world every year, fascinated by its flame show. For Turkmenistan, a country with a closed economy and embryonic tourism, this site is one of the few tourist attractions. The closure of the “Portes de l’Enfer” could have a negative impact on the local tourism sector.

Ovez Mouradov, an employee of a travel agency, underlines that this site is often at the top of the list of places to visit for the rare foreigners obtaining a visa. The disappearance of this phenomenon could lead to a drop in income for local agencies. However, the security of the surrounding populations and environmental issues remain a priority for the authorities.

An uncertain future for crater

The efforts to turn off the flames of Darvaza are intensifying, but the task promises to be difficult. Turkmengaz scientists try to isolate the surface of the crater to stop gas emissions. However, visitors come up against strict restrictions, making it difficult to verify the progress made.

The situation illustrates the challenges that Turkmenistan faces: reconcile economic development, environmental preservation and tourism promotion. Decisions made in the coming years will determine the future of this region and its role on the international scene in terms of climate change.

While Turkmenistan is committed to extinguishing the “doors of hell”, many questions remain unanswered. How will the country be able to balance its economic ambitions with the need to reduce its ecological footprint? What impact will these decisions have on local tourism and the country’s international perception? Is Darvaza’s crater dedicated to disappear, or will we find a way to preserve it while respecting the environment?

This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.

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