On Saturday (28th December), a dramatic geological incident unfolded near the Mohangarh canal area in Jaisalmer wherein sudden burst of underground water and gas resulted during a tubewell digging operation. This eruption, likely caused by a breach of an underground reservoir created a 10-feet-high jet of water.
According to reports, at 850 feet deep, a fountain of water and gas suddenly burst from the ground, causing the ground to fall in, sinking the drilling machine and truck into the ground shortly turning the field into a pond. Even after 24 hours, the flow of water has not stopped, leaving a deep trench in the area and creating a pond like structure.
Some social media users have shared a video of the incident with claims that it may be a resurfacing of the Saraswati River after some media reports including ETV Bharat reported that Dr Narayan Das Inkhiya, a groundwater scientist who visited the site, said that “this incident can be a sign of the ancient flow of the Saraswati river.”
Huge surge of water in barren desert land of Jaisalmer causing a deluge !!!!
— Sameer (@BesuraTaansane) December 28, 2024
Ground water scientist Narayan Das suggests a possible resurfacing of River Saraswati ?pic.twitter.com/Tf2FPrqN8Y
However, according to a TOI report, Inkhiya explained the unusual geological phenomenon as being caused by artesian conditions and did not hint at the incident being a sign of the Saraswati River’s resurfacing.
Notably, artesian conditions arise when groundwater flows from a recharge location to a lower elevation point of discharge within a confining formation.
The Deputy Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate of Mohangarh, Lalit Charan, has issued a public notice preventing humans and cattle from approaching a 500-meter radius surrounding the location. The gushing gas and water pose serious concerns, and removing the vehicle may worsen the situation.
A temporary police post has been established to enforce the evacuation order.
Charan stated that technical assistance is being discussed with oil and gas company officials to address the matter. Meanwhile, the pit continues to erupt with water, mud and gas, leaving a distinct gas odour at the site. The situation is being closely monitored by authorities to prevent things from escalating further.
