Flood-like Situation in Many Areas, Schools Shut, Rescue Operations Underway
Jaipur, 28 July: A depression system originating from the Bay of Bengal has now moved towards Madhya Pradesh, triggering continuous heavy rainfall across several districts of Rajasthan over the past 24 hours. The resulting situation has severely disrupted normal life. Districts such as Kota, Chittorgarh, Jhalawar, Bhilwara, Sirohi, Tonk, and Banswara are witnessing flood-like conditions. Roads are submerged, villages have turned into isolated islands, and residents are being evacuated through rescue operations.
Schools Closed in Multiple Districts
Due to intense rainfall, the administration has declared a holiday in schools on Monday in the districts of Jhalawar, Kota, Chittorgarh, Tonk, Bhilwara, Baran, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Salumber, Banswara, and Ajmer. According to the Meteorological Department, heavy rainfall was recorded on Monday in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Tonk, Alwar, Jaipur, Kota, Chittorgarh, Fatehpur, Dausa, Banswara, Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Rajsamand, Sirohi, and Pali. Meanwhile, Sri Ganganagar remained the hottest district with a maximum temperature of 40.3°C and a minimum of 30.2°C.
Casualties and Rescue Operations in Chittorgarh
In Rawatbhata region of Chittorgarh district, the heavy rains have caused severe damage. A 15-year-old girl named Kaushalya drowned in a pond in Dipura village. In Hatholi village, which has turned into an island, an elderly sick woman, Kanya Bai, passed away as she could not reach the hospital in time. In the Bassi police station area, two youths on a bike were swept away while attempting to cross a culvert between Nagri and Bilia villages. Eyewitnesses stated that the water was nearly one foot deep and locals had warned the riders, but they did not stop. A search operation is underway.
In Ladpura Khurd village of Chittorgarh, a pregnant woman named Priyanka was taken to hospital in an SDRF boat after giving birth to twin daughters at home. In Amba village of Bhainsrorgarh, villagers carried a sick woman to the hospital on a cot through knee-deep water.
Tourists Stranded, Roads Blocked, Rivers Overflowing
In Jhalawar, tourists visiting the famous Gagron Fort were stranded due to rising water levels in nearby rivers. They sent a video message to the district administration stating that they have been stuck for over 24 hours with no food and that children are also among those trapped.
In Bijolia region of Bhilwara, roads have turned into rivers, with the Eru river flowing five feet above the bridge level. Boats are being used in some areas, and rescue teams are actively working. In Sirohi’s Keral village under Kailash Nagar police station, a private school bus carrying 35 children got stuck on a river crossing. Local villagers acted swiftly and safely rescued all children using a tractor and crane.
In Bundi district, water flowing over the Khatkar culvert has disrupted traffic between Bundi–Nainwa and Bundi–Lakheri routes. Travellers to Nainwa are now forced to take the Hindoli route, while those heading to Lakheri must go via Keshoraipatan. Near Bhawanimandi in Jhalawar, rainwater has flooded Kota stone mines in Piplia village, submerging at least six vehicles.
Rivers Swelling, Dams Release Excess Water
Twelve gates of Kota Barrage have been opened, releasing 2.90 lakh cusecs of water. This has caused the Chambal River to overflow into low-lying areas of Nayapura, reaching houses in colonies like Brajraj and Harijan Basti.
At Bisalpur Dam, six gates have been opened, releasing 60,000 cusecs of water as inflow continues. Gates 8 and 13 have been opened by one metre, while gates 9, 10, 11, and 12 are opened by two metres, releasing water into the Banas River.
Due to heavy rainfall, other dams such as Panchna in Karauli (4 gates), Kali Sindh (5 gates), Navnera (13 gates), Jawahar Sagar (6 gates), Rana Pratap Sagar (6 gates), and Isarda (25 gates) have also been opened.
Rain Likely to Continue Until 1 August
According to the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, the low-pressure system over eastern Rajasthan and adjoining Madhya Pradesh is causing heavy rainfall. The highest rainfall was recorded in Kota and Ramganj Mandi at 242 mm. The department has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of Bharatpur, Jaipur, and Ajmer divisions on 30 and 31 July, while Bikaner division may experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Rainfall is expected to continue until 1 August, after which a slight decrease is likely.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
