Breaches in Jaswant Sagar Dam, several evacuated

Jaipur, July 7 (UNI) Jaswant Sagar Dam in Bilada tehsil, Jodhpur division, developed 40 feet deep breaches at two places today, resulting in the evacuation of one lakh villagers in 80 surrounding villages.

At least 1100 cusecs water is leaking through these breaches. The relief work is being done on a war footing following let up in rainfall in the area. Three Airforce helicopters are on stand by and the army has been put on alert.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today undertook an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Jodhpur division.

On the other hand, monsoon has become active with warnings of heavy downpour in Kota and Udaipur divisions. Meanwhile, seven people have died due to the rain.

At a flood-relief meeting held here today, Chief Secretary D C Samant took stock of the situation and directed that marooned people be transported to safer places. He also directed officials to ensure that drinking water and food packets be supplied to the affected people.

According to the Irrigation Department, out of 227 dams in the state, 30 have the capacity ranging from 150 to 4,000 mcft are overflowing at the moment.

Two gates of Kota barrage have been opened four feet and are letting out 9,500 cusecs water. At least 9,000 cusecs water is flowing out of the Rana Pratap Sagar dam in Rawatbhata in Chittorgarh district and the water level has gone upto 1153 feet.

According to the weather department, in the past 24 hours Mansarover in Sawai Madhopur district received 100 mm rain, Chauth ka Barwara 81, Bhadoli 87, Sawai Madhopur 67.

In Baran district, Atru measured 95, Baran 57, in Ajmer district Govindgarh 75, in Jhalawar's Dug 59, in Udaipur's Jaisamand 68, Salumbar 45, in Chittorgarh's Pratapgarh and Arnod 48, Choti Sadri 45, in Tonk's Niwai 44, Bundi 69, Kota 30 and several other places recorded 20 to 25 mm rains.

The state capital measured 26.4 mm rain in the past 24 hours.

UNI