Thousands flock to peat fire site in Kheri, want temple in 'abode of god'

LAKHIMPUR KHERI: After news of sub-surface fire raging in an area under Belapahada beat of Mohammadi forest range in Lakhimpur Kheri district spread, people in large numbers have started thronging the place to see what they consider to be a wonder of nature. Locals and visitors have now termed the area a 'dev-sthan' (abode of god), and clamour for building a temple is getting louder and louder. One can see hordes of people visiting the area with their family and friends and seeking blessings of a goddess, who people believe have caused this phenomenon. Visitors on their way back are seen carrying pieces of burnt peat for "good fortune".
The area is situated 14 km away from Mohammadi town. With no visible presence of any administrative or forest official in area, outsiders find it easy to enter the forest area and offer prayers to the 'goddess'.
Seeing the rush of people, locals have started selling tobacco products, drinking water, boiled chickpeas and other items to cater to the visitors and are doing brisk business, with some vendors claiming that they are able to make more than Rs 1,000 a day. Vijay Mandal, who sells boiled and spiced chickpeas, told TOI, “I am doing brisk business and my entire day's stock gets sold out in 5-6 hours. Nowadays, there is a huge demand for packaged water as there is no source of potable water around here. The number of people visiting the place is increasing with each passing day.”
Sumadhi, a resident of Miyapur village, was seen worshipping what the locals believe is a very old tree along with several other people. She said, “We have been coming to this place since the past several years to offer prayers under this tree. Maybe, the goddess wants more devotees to come here and that is why she has created such a miracle. We will be happy if a temple is built here as we believe this place is a ‘dev-sthan’ (abode of gods)."
Another local, Tulsi Dhali, said, “The officials are yet to ascertain the reason behind this phenomenon, but we know that it is a way by which the goddess has called us to this hallowed place.”
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Mohammadi Swati Shukla said, “Initial investigation suggests that the phenomenon due to peat fire as there are no signs of fire beyond two metres below the surface. We have submitted a report to the district magistrate which will be shared further. A team of experts may also come here for a detailed study. As of now, I will not be able to provide the exact reason of the sub-surface fire.”
Earlier, forest department officials identified the phenomenon as sub-surface fire, which are of low intensity, consuming organic matter beneath the surface litter of forest floor, including plant roots, humus and peat. Such fire spreads very slowly and, in most cases, is hard to detect and control and may continue to burn for months and destroy vegetative cover.