Rains, Prayers, and the Perils of Industrial Pollution in Balotra

In Rajasthan's Barmer district, Minister K K Vishnoi attributed heavy rains to divine intervention following prayers by the chief minister, raising criticism from local Congress members. Persistent water pollution from the Jojari river has led to severe flooding, affecting villages, homes, and farmlands, with calls for concrete industrial waste management action.

Minister K K Vishnoi's remarks have drawn criticism in Barmer district, Rajasthan, as he attributed heavy rains to the chief minister's prayers to Lord Krishna. His comments have been branded as irresponsible, deflecting accountability from the ongoing water pollution crisis.

The region faces continued flooding from the Jojari river, which carries untreated industrial waste from Jodhpur and Pali. During the monsoon, this river overflows, submerging Balotra's villages with contaminated water, raising health and livelihood concerns among residents.

Local Congress MLA Harish Choudhary criticized the BJP government, emphasizing that divine intervention is not a solution to the man-made pollution crisis. Protesters have repeatedly urged for stricter regulations and waste management measures, as affected residents experience persistent problems without viable interventions.

(With inputs from agencies.)