Rajasthan

JAIPUR | January 31: A comprehensive scientific study is underway on Jaipur’s three key water reservoirs—Kanota, Chandlai and Nevta dams—with the objective of tackling water pollution and evaluating their long-term conservation and development potential, officials said on Friday. The study is being conducted by experts from a central government-authorised agency, which is assessing the current water quality, ecological health and sustainability of the dams. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) based on the findings will be submitted to the Rajasthan government shortly. “The study is expected to be completed within a month. Based on its recommendations, a detailed conservation and development plan will be prepared so that these dam sites can be systematically developed,” Water Resources Mi...

Dausa: Panic has gripped villages surrounding the famous religious site of Mehandipur Balaji in Rajasthan’s Dausa district after a leopard was captured on CCTV preying on a pet dog inside a residential courtyard. The horrifying incident occurred late at night in Nahar Khokhra village, sending shockwaves across the region. The CCTV footage, which surfaced on Saturday morning, shows a pet dog resting in what was believed to be a safe courtyard. Suddenly sensing danger, the dog begins barking and running, but within seconds, a leopard emerges from the darkness, pounces on the animal, and drags it away. The dog’s cries fade quickly, leaving behind a scene that has deeply traumatized the villagers. Residents discovered the incident only after reviewing the CCTV footage the next morning, l...

Jaipur: After the rejuvenation of Jal Mahal’s Mansagar Lake, the Rajasthan government has turned its focus to three more major water bodies in the Jaipur region—Kanota, Chandelai and Nevta dams. The state’s Water Resources Department has launched a comprehensive initiative to make these reservoirs pollution-free, a move expected to significantly improve Jaipur’s environmental health and micro-climate. To ensure a scientific and sustainable approach, a Government of India–authorised expert agency has been assigned the task of conducting detailed studies of all three dams. Teams of specialists are currently carrying out on-site assessments and data collection. Scientific Study to Guide the Revival Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat said the study focuses on identifying poll...

Jodhpur: The controversial death of renowned storyteller Sadhvi Prem Baisa has shaken Rajasthan’s spiritual and social circles. What began as a claim of sudden illness after an injection ended with her burial in a samadhi amid allegations, a purported suicide note, and the resurfacing of an old blackmail case. Here is a detailed account of what happened over the last three days. Sudden Death at a Private Hospital On January 28, Sadhvi Prem Baisa’s health reportedly deteriorated at her ashram in Jodhpur. According to her father, Veernath, she was suffering only from a mild cold. He claimed that during treatment at the ashram, she was administered an injection, after which her condition worsened rapidly. She was rushed to a private hospital in Jodhpur, where doctors declared her dea...

Jodhpur: A video from the Balesar area of Jodhpur district showing a patwari (revenue officer) lounging on a cot in an ostentatious manner has gone viral, raising questions about misuse of official authority. In response, the District Collector, Gaurav Agarwal, has issued a three-day show-cause notice to the officer. Video Highlights Lavish BehaviorThe video reportedly shows the patwari reclining or sitting on a cot while complainants remain seated on the floor below. Scenes in the footage suggest that complainants were offering money to the patwari, allegedly in connection with land or other revenue-related matters. The officer appears in a semi-nude state, which has triggered widespread debate over official decorum and conduct. Collector Confirms Video, Orders ResponseAfter prelimi...

Sawai Madhopur: Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the world-famous Ranthambore National Park will now have to experience the king of the jungle with their own eyes — not through a phone screen. Following strict instructions from the Supreme Court, the Forest Department has imposed a complete ban on mobile phone usage during safaris. Tourists will no longer be able to take selfies or shoot reels, as interfering with the tigers’ natural privacy can now have serious consequences. Supreme Court Guidelines Drive the MoveSanjeev Sharma, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Tourism) for the Ranthambore Tiger Project, stated that the stringent decision was taken in adherence to Supreme Court guidelines. Tourists often create noise or venture too close to capture the perfect photo or video, disturbing the...

Tonk, Rajasthan: The standoff between prominent Rajasthan political figure Naresh Meena and the state government ended around 1 a.m. on Friday night. Meena, who was leading his supporters on a march to Jaipur with 11 key demands, was stopped by heavy police barricades near Amli Mor on National Highway 116. After hours of tense negotiations and marathon talks, the administration reached a written agreement with Meena, leading him to suspend the march. Mediation and Key Points of Agreement The negotiations were mediated by the Divisional Commissioner of Ajmer, with ADMs and the Additional SP of Tonk coordinating on-site. Meena was allowed direct phone communication with the Commissioner. The government agreed to provide pending compensation to the victims of Samravata violence, submit ...

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Under the orders of the Supreme Court, Ladakh-based climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was brought from Jodhpur Central Jail to AIIMS Jodhpur on Saturday morning for a comprehensive medical examination. He was transported under tight security following complaints of a severe stomach infection, reportedly caused by consumption of contaminated water in the jail. The medical report from AIIMS is scheduled to be submitted to the Supreme Court by 2 February. Subsequent legal and medical decisions will be made based on the findings. High-Security Transport to AIIMS Sonam Wangchuk was escorted from the jail to AIIMS under a special security cover, with the entire route and hospital premises placed on high alert under the supervision of Police Commissioner Om Prakash. Add...

Jaipur, Rajasthan: A recent district-level survey has found that 3,768 government school buildings in Rajasthan are in a dilapidated condition, Education Minister Madan Dilawar informed the state Assembly during the budget session on Friday. The data was revealed in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Sandeep Sharma. Survey Triggered by Tragic Jhalawar Incident The survey followed a tragic incident in Jhalawar district, where part of a government school building collapsed, killing seven children. In the aftermath, the state government ordered district-level inspections of all government school buildings, which led to the current findings. Status of Dilapidated Buildings Out of the 3,768 identified buildings, 2,558 have been officially declared dilapidated, while the remain...