Due to the rising water level of the Luni River in the Jalore district of Rajasthan, Pavta village in the Chitalwana sub-division has been completely submerged. The village is surrounded by water on all sides, and all access routes have been closed. This village, with a population of approximately 1000, has now been transformed into an island, where people are confined to their homes. In many houses, the water has reached the stoves, and daily life has been severely disrupted. The situation in about 100 homes in the village is so dire that people are unable to leave.
Difficult to Obtain Rations
Approximately 60 students attending the government school in Pavta village are also unable to attend school due to the flooding. With the roads completely closed, the children are trapped in their homes. Obtaining essential supplies, especially rations, has become difficult for the villagers. People are forced to risk their lives to fetch rations by wading through the water. Crossing through water that is sometimes waist-deep and sometimes knee-deep has become a daily necessity.
The villagers say that no help has reached them from the administration so far, which has caused resentment among them. This waterlogging situation has completely cut off the village from the sub-division headquarters, making it extremely difficult to get help in any emergency.
Villagers Reaching Headquarters via a Long Route
The impact of the flood in the Luni River is not limited to Pavta village alone; several major routes, including Tapi to Pavta, Doothwa to Hotigaon, Doothwa to Galifa, and Sunthri to Surachand, have also been closed. Because of this, villagers have to travel a long detour of 80 to 100 kilometers to reach the sub-division headquarters.
Whether it is taking the sick to the hospital or students to school, the roads are closed for everyone. This problem arises every year during the rainy season, but the situation is worse this time.
Villagers Demand Construction of Bridges
In light of the constantly deteriorating situation, the villagers have demanded that the government and administration take concrete steps. The villagers say that this kind of situation can be avoided if bridges are constructed in a timely manner. The demand for a bridge on the Duthwa-Galifa route has been ongoing for a long time, while bridges are also needed at two places on the Surachand route and on the Khejriali route.
According to the villagers, such situations often arise during the monsoon season, causing the village to be completely cut off. Vehicle drivers, patients, students, and people in need face immense difficulties. Administrative services are also affected, and help does not reach them in time.
Need for a Permanent Solution
The villagers have appealed that the administration should not limit itself to temporary measures, but rather find a permanent solution so that they do not have to face such problems every year during the rains. There is a dire need for an effective plan and infrastructure to deal with the waterlogging situation, so that Pavta and surrounding villages can be saved from such crises in the future.
