The unusual phenomenon has been reported from Virparda village in Morbi taluka, where an approximately 18-foot-deep well on a farmer’s land has been showing persistent movement on its water surface. Videos of the strange sight have also circulated widely on social media, drawing curious villagers, commuters and passersby to the spot.
According to the well's owner, Pranjivan Sadariya, he first noticed something unusual on August 2 when water appeared to be spilling over the edge of the newly constructed well.
The water reportedly continued to move through Sunday and Monday, became relatively calm on Tuesday, and then began rippling again from Wednesday. The recurring phenomenon soon attracted people from nearby villages, many of whom wondered whether the strange movement could be linked to an earthquake.
The well itself was constructed only around three months ago.
No Earthquake Detected#WATCH | Morbi, Gujarat: An unusual incident has been reported in Virparda village, Morbi taluka, where a farm well has been showing wave-like movement. The District Collector has ordered a detailed report from the groundwater research team.
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2026
Collector Swapnil Khare says, "...… pic.twitter.com/hnFamPfBoW
Despite the wave-like movement, officials have ruled out an immediate connection with seismic activity.
Morbi District Geologist J S Vadher said preliminary observations suggest that the phenomenon may have a natural hydrogeological explanation. Heavy rainfall in the region could have rapidly recharged groundwater, potentially forcing trapped air through pores, cracks and gaps in the underlying rocks and disturbing the water inside the well.
Officials also consulted the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Gandhinagar, with reports indicating that there is no active fault line or seismic activity at the location to explain the movement.
Groundwater, Trapped Air May Be Behind Waves
One preliminary theory is that recent heavy rainfall has increased groundwater recharge beneath the area. As underground water moves through soil and fractured rock, air trapped in pore spaces may be displaced.
If that air escapes into the well, it could disturb the water and create the unusual rippling effect being observed.
Another factor mentioned by officials is the well's roadside location, where wind flow could potentially contribute to fluctuations on the water surface. However, authorities have stressed that the precise cause has not yet been conclusively established.
Some villagers have also speculated that the phenomenon could be connected to tidal movements because Morbi is relatively close to Gujarat's coastline. However, there is currently no scientific confirmation that sea tides are responsible.
Experts To Conduct Detailed Investigation
With the unusual phenomenon continuing to attract attention, the Gujarat government has been informed and a team from Gandhinagar is expected to examine the site.
The groundwater department is also expected to conduct a detailed scientific investigation before a final explanation is reached. Officials have urged people not to believe rumours or interpretations linking the waves to an impending earthquake.
For now, the mysterious Morbi well continues to ripple, turning an ordinary farm structure into one of Gujarat's most talked-about unusual phenomena — while experts work to determine exactly what is happening beneath the surface.
