Rajasthan: Ana Sagar Escape Channel opens, leading to severe waterlogging in Ajmer

Ajmer (Rajasthan) [India], September 11(ANI): Continuous rainfall has led to the opening of the Ana Sagar escape channel, resulting in water accumulation in Hathi Bhata, Brahmapuri, and Shivpuri areas of Ajmer. Residents of Brahmapuri and Shivpuri report that water has been accumulating for the past 8 to 10 days, causing severe commuting problems.

While the Municipal Corporation is delivering relief material, some residents claim they are not receiving the aid they need.
Anju Mishra, a resident of Brahmapuri, said, “For 6 days, the entire area has been waterlogged. Our rations are depleting, and we are frustrated. We are from BPL (Below Poverty Line) and live in a rented home. I am frustrated because the room is filled with water up to half the cylinder level.” She added, “Although the Municipal Corporation is reaching out to a few with relief aid, I have not received any.”

Another Brahmapuri resident, Ratan Lal, said, “The level of waterlogging is very severe; our homes are filled with 1.5 feet of water. We are all trapped inside our homes and are buying the needed items ourselves. Until when will we be dependent on others? The administrators come, see, and go.”
Municipal Corporation worker Anil, speaking to ANI, said, “We have been providing continuous relief even though the area has been waterlogged for over 15 days. We are providing whatever people ask for.”

RC Sharma, another local resident, added, “The heart of the city has been waterlogged. Sometimes it’s not even rain but water from the channel that causes problems. Many people have fled their homes because they cannot cook food due to the waterlogging.”

Earlier reports indicated that heavy rainfall on Sunday morning led to severe waterlogging in Ajmer. The District Collector announced a holiday for all schools on Monday to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Areas including Patel Ground and Kamala Nehru Hospital were heavily affected, with residents struggling due to the water logging. Water from Ana Sagar Lake was also drained to manage the situation.

Ajmer District Collector Lok Bandhu said, “Our teams have been working on improving the situations in the waterlogged areas of Ajmer, and we have successfully improved the situations in the last couple of days.” He added that a medicine distribution team has been deployed to assist residents and warned of more rain. With alerts issued for more rain in the district, the collector said, “Do not go out, and in case of any emergency, contact the control room for help.”

The Regional Meteorological Centre of Jaipur issued a yellow alert for Ajmer and an orange alert for other districts with expected moderate to heavy rainfall. Western Rajasthan is forecasted to have normal weather.