Geological Incident in Jaisalmer: Tubewell Digging Triggers Water and Gas Eruption
- Samiha Sharma
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Date of Incident: December 28, 2024
Location: Mohangarh canal area, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Nature of Incident: Sudden water and gas eruption during tubewell digging
Overview of the Incident
A dramatic geological phenomenon occurred on Saturday, December 28, 2024, near the Mohangarh canal area in Jaisalmer. During a tubewell drilling operation, an underground reservoir was breached at a depth of approximately 850 feet. This breach resulted in the release of pressurized water and gas, creating a 10-foot-high fountain of water and causing the ground around the site to collapse.
The incident led to significant disruptions, including the sinking of a drilling machine and a truck into the ground. Within hours, the area turned into a pond-like structure, with the water flow continuing for over 24 hours.
Details of the Event
● Depth of Drilling: 850 feet
● Impact on Area:
○ Ground collapse and formation of a deep trench
○ Submersion of drilling equipment and a truck
○ Continuous flow of water, mud, and gas
● Evacuations:
○ A 500-meter radius around the site was cordoned off to ensure safety.
Scientific Explanation
Dr. Narayan Das Inkhiya, a groundwater scientist, analyzed the event and attributed it to artesian conditions.
● Cause:
○ Artesian conditions occur when pressurized groundwater trapped beneath an impermeable layer finds an outlet.
○ The tubewell drilling breached this confined aquifer, causing the water and gas to erupt forcefully.
● Clarifications:
○ Some social media speculations suggested this might be linked to the Saraswati River's ancient flow.
○ However, Dr. Inkhiya clarified that the incident is purely a geological phenomenon and unrelated to any resurfacing of the Saraswati River.
Government and Administrative Actions
1. Public Notice:
○ Issued by Deputy Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate of Mohangarh, Lalit Charan.
○ Prohibition on human and livestock movement within a 500-meter radius.
2. Temporary Measures:
○ Establishment of a police post to enforce the evacuation order.
○ Discussions with oil and gas experts to devise a technical solution.
3. Safety Concerns:
○ Risk of gas-induced fire or explosion due to the strong odor of gas.
○ Danger of ground instability and further land collapse.
Environmental and Technical Concerns
1. Groundwater Impact:
○ Potential depletion of underground reservoirs due to uncontrolled flow.
2. Environmental Hazards:
○ Soil erosion and possible contamination of surrounding areas.
3. Technical Challenges:
○ Removing submerged equipment may destabilize the site further.
Next Steps and Monitoring
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Technical expertise is being sought to:
● Contain the ongoing flow of water and gas.
● Mitigate environmental risks and ensure long-term site stability.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous geological assessments before undertaking drilling operations, particularly in ecologically fragile regions like Jaisalmer. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the need for sustainable resource management practices to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Resources
● Photo credits: OpIndia | ETV Bharat https://www.opindia.com/2024/12/water-burst-in-the-desert-tubewell-digging-causes- underground-reservoir-to-erupt-in-rajasthans-jaisalmer/
● Video credits: NDTV | Jaisalmer News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frFBib05SQ0
● Times of India: Water and Gas Eruption in Jaisalmer
