Video: Newly-built road washed away before inauguration in Rajasthan
Jaipur: A newly-constructed state highway in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu collapsed just days before its official inauguration, after heavy rains triggered the water level to rise in the Katli river.
A video of the incident, accessed by NDTV, has since gone viral on social media. The collapse occurred after 86 mm of rainfall was recorded in the Udaipurwati region on Sunday, swelling the usually seasonal Katli river into a forceful stream. The surging waters undermined the roadbed and washed away a large chunk of the highway, including an electric pole, as captured in the widely shared footage.
उद्घाटन से पहले ही #jhunjhunu #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/7MZKQ2DWl1
— अल्हड़ पत्रकार (@Rajesh__Jamaal) July 9, 2025
The state highway, built to connect Baghuli and Jahaj with National Highway 52 (leading to Jhunjhunu and Sikar), was reportedly completed six months ago and was awaiting official inauguration. The collapse raised several questions over the materials and method used in the construction of the road.
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) are expected to inspect the site and submit a detailed report.
Meanwhile, the Katli river, already under scrutiny for widespread encroachment and illegal sand and gravel mining, has been the focus of state clean-up operations. The recent collapse has renewed calls for stricter environmental safeguards and better planning in infrastructure projects.
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Exotic reptiles seized from passenger at Kempegowda International Airport
Bengaluru, Aug 13 (PTI): Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport near Devanahalli said they had seized several exotic and protected reptiles, including snakes, from a passenger who arrived from Bangkok.
The seizure was made on Tuesday during luggage screening, when reptiles were found packed in boxes concealed inside the passenger’s baggage, they said.
The animals, smuggled illegally into the country, were confiscated, and the passenger is under investigation.
The seized reptiles have been handed over to the Forest Department for further action, they added.
