An 18‑foot‑deep agricultural well in Virparda village of Morbi taluka, Gujarat, has become the centre of public curiosity after its water continued to ripple and overflow for nearly five days.
The unusual phenomenon, first noticed on August 2 by well owner Pranjivan Sadariya, has drawn hundreds of villagers and travellers, with videos going viral on social media.
Many initially speculated that the rippling water could be linked to an impending earthquake or other geological activity. However, district officials have dismissed those fears. Morbi District Geologist J.S. Vadher explained that preliminary findings suggest the phenomenon is not caused by seismic activity but by heavy rainfall leading to rapid groundwater recharge. This process likely forced trapped air through underground rock pores and fractures, creating turbulence and continuous ripples on the surface.
The Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Gandhinagar confirmed that no active fault line exists in the area. Morbi District Collector Swapnil Khare said the Gujarat government has been informed, and a team of experts from Gandhinagar will conduct a detailed scientific assessment to determine the exact cause.
While experts believe the unusual water movement is a natural hydrogeological process triggered by monsoon rains, officials emphasised that a definitive conclusion will only be reached after the expert team’s investigation.
