What Happened After the Boraj Dam Broke in Ajmer?

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What Happened After the Boraj Dam Broke in Ajmer?

Synopsis

A dam collapse in Ajmer has led to severe flooding in nearby neighborhoods, prompting residents to demand immediate compensation from authorities. As affected families seek assistance, the administration promises support and compensation after assessing the damage. This incident highlights critical issues of infrastructure safety and community resilience in crisis.

Key Takeaways

  • Boraj Dam in Ajmer collapsed, causing significant flooding.
  • Residents are demanding compensation for their losses.
  • Authorities are conducting rescue operations and providing assistance.
  • No fatalities have been reported despite severe property damage.
  • Officials are assessing damages to implement preventive measures.

Jaipur, Sep 5 (NationPress) The structure of the Boraj Dam in Ajmer collapsed late Thursday, resulting in severe flooding in Swastik Nagar, where water has inundated streets and entered homes. Reports indicate that water levels have reached between 5 to 8 feet in certain areas.

On Friday morning, local residents expressed their frustration by blocking roads and chanting slogans targeting the administration. Many claim they constructed their homes through loans, but now their properties are submerged. One resident lamented, “Our homes are underwater -- how can we pay back the bank loans?”

When a Civil Defense team arrived offering tea and snacks, the residents' anger escalated. They sent the team away, insisting that the District Collector must personally address their grievances before they would lift the blockade. The dam's breach occurred around 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, inciting panic among residents of Swastik Nagar, Varun Sagar Road, and adjacent neighborhoods. Families hurried to their rooftops as water surged in.

Rescue operations were initiated by the administration and SDRF, employing boats and JCBs to evacuate those trapped. Numerous houses suffered extensive damage due to the flooding. Traffic on Faisagar Road was halted, and police along with administrative teams remained on-site to manage the crisis.

The district administration has directed officials to provide shelter, food, water, and medical supplies for those displaced. However, locals continue to accuse the administration of negligence and are demanding full compensation for their losses.

The authorities assured affected residents that compensation would be available following a thorough survey. SDM Garima Narula pledged to accompany locals to assess the damaged properties. Following this commitment, the road blockade was lifted around 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

Late Thursday night, heavy water flow from the pond reached Faisagar Road, approximately one and a half kilometers away. Upon receiving reports, teams from Civil Defense, SDRF, Municipal Corporation, ADA, and the district administration, along with local residents, commenced rescue efforts. Evacuations were carried out using tractors, although many women and children were visibly distressed throughout the ordeal.

Besides Swastik Nagar, floodwaters also impacted Bharat Nagar, Rawat Nagar, Jyoti Nagar, SS Colony, and other areas along Faisagar Road.

District Collector Lok Bandhu assessed the situation and confirmed that while property damage is significant, there were no fatalities, and the situation is under control.

Officials disclosed that prior concerns regarding soil erosion and the potential failure of the dam had been raised beforehand. As a precaution, around 80 houses in Swastik Nagar were evacuated on Thursday.

Meanwhile, efforts to address waterlogging in Swastik Nagar are underway with mud pumps, while teams from the Municipal Corporation and ADA continue their presence on-site.

Point of View

It is crucial to recognize the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the swift response of local administrations in crisis situations. While the immediate focus remains on rescuing affected residents and addressing their needs, it is also vital to investigate the underlying issues that led to this incident. The administration's commitment to compensating victims is a step in the right direction, but thorough assessments and preventive measures must follow to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
NationPress
05/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Boraj Dam to break?
The specific cause of the Boraj Dam's collapse has not been officially determined yet, but concerns about soil erosion and dam safety had been previously raised.
How are residents being assisted?
The district administration is providing shelter, food, water, and medical supplies to displaced families while rescue operations are ongoing.
What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?
Officials are conducting assessments of the damages and will implement necessary infrastructure improvements to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Is there any loss of life reported?
Fortunately, there have been no fatalities reported as a result of the dam's collapse.
When will compensation be provided to affected families?
Compensation will be distributed after a thorough survey of the damages has been completed by the district administration.