Torrential downpours have caused significant flooding across Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, leading to widespread disruption of transportation and daily life. The persistent rainfall, which continued through Friday afternoon, has resulted in extensive waterlogging in urban areas and the collapse of a crucial culvert along National Highway 552.
This incident has severed road connectivity between Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur district and Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur, Kota, and Baran regions, as the Parvati River rose above the bridge level. Submerged railway tracks at Sawai Madhopur station have crippled the signal system, causing substantial delays for services connecting to major cities. The Bodal Ujala bridge on the Sheopur-Sawai Madhopur road, a vital link, has also succumbed to the relentless rain, exacerbating the isolation of several areas.
The severe weather has also impacted tourism, with safaris within the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve temporarily suspended. This precautionary measure by the forest department affects buffer zones, particularly zones six through ten. The suspension follows an incident where a canter carrying tourists became stuck in water, leading to the halt of safaris in several buffer zones for at least two days. Historically, Ranthambore's core zones (one to five) are closed during the monsoon season for rejuvenation and breeding, while buffer zones typically remain accessible. However, heavy rains have led to closures in specific buffer areas as well.
The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for heavy rainfall across Jaipur and surrounding districts, urging residents to remain vigilant. This situation is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather events impacting India's infrastructure. Rajasthan has a history of significant flood events, with notable instances in 1981 causing widespread damage in Jaipur, Tonk, Nagaur, and Sawai Madhopur, and a severe event in 2006 impacting Barmer and Jaisalmer districts. The current rainfall patterns, characterized by intense downpours over short periods, contribute to flash floods, highlighting the need for robust flood management strategies.