Ranthambore Tiger Reserve shut for tourists as heavy rainfall hits Rajasthan

Tourists' entry has been prohibited in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve due to heavy rainfall in Rajasthan. "Ranthambore Tiger Reserve prohibits the entry of tourists until further notice, in view of heavy rainfall in the region," TC Verma, Chief conservator of forest, said in an order.

Rajasthan has witnessed heavy rainfall in the past few days. On Sunday, heavy rain hit many parts of the state, disrupting normal life and inundating several low-lying areas.

The Meteorological Department yesterday issued a 'red alert', warning of torrential rains in some parts of the state on Monday. It said 240 mm rainfall, the highest in the state, was recorded at Makrana in Nagaur from Saturday to Sunday morning, while Hurda in Bhilwara recorded 215 mm rains.

Many other areas in Nagaur, Tonk, Jaipur, Bhilwara and Ajmer also recorded heavy to very heavy rains during this period. Sawaimadhopur, Vanasthali (Tonk), Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Kota and Dabok also recorded 38 mm, 27 mm, 23 mm, 16.2 mm, 7 mm and 6.2 mm rains till Sunday evening.

Due to the torrential rains, many areas in these districts faced flood-like situation. The water level in Ajmer's Anasagar increased due to the rains and areas surrounding it were inundated.

The IMD has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the next 48 hours in the state. A 'red alert' for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was issued for Jhalawar, Baran, Kota and Pratapgarh on Monday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely to occur at several places in the state from Monday to Thursday.