A sudden one-hour spell of torrential rain on Monday turned Boondi city into a flood zone. Within minutes, narrow lanes and busy markets were submerged, as water from the nearby hills surged into the streets like a roaring river.
The old city’s main areas — Sadar Bazaar, Tilak Chowk, Meera Gate, and Thathera Bazaar — were the worst affected. Streets turned into flowing rivers, vehicles were swept away, and shopkeepers watched helplessly as goods floated off in the current.
Locals tied their vehicles with ropes to prevent damage, but many failed to withstand the fierce water flow.
Locals Risk Lives to Save Vehicles and Shops
Several residents were nearly swept away while trying to save their cars and bikes from the floodwaters. Fortunately, bystanders managed to rescue them in time, avoiding what could have been a major tragedy.
In Meera Gate and Tilak Chowk, panic gripped locals as the water level rose rapidly. Many climbed onto rooftops and upper floors for safety.
Sadar Bazaar and Thathera Bazaar witnessed widespread shop flooding, with water entering over half of the stores and damaging goods worth lakhs.
City’s Poor Drainage System Exposed Yet Again
Every monsoon, Boondi suffers from severe waterlogging, but civic authorities continue to ignore the problem. The lack of proper drainage and timely nallah cleaning has made flooding a yearly crisis.
“If drainage systems were maintained properly, such destruction wouldn’t happen,” said Irfan Ansari, Municipal Councillor. “Water from the hills rushes straight into the markets every time, damaging homes and businesses.”
Authorities Issue Alert
Though officials have issued warnings after the disaster, residents complain that no concrete relief or rehabilitation measures have been provided. Locals demand a long-term drainage solution to prevent this recurring chaos.
Farmers Hit Hard
The continuous rain and gusty winds have devastated farmlands across Boondi and the Kota region. The soybean crop has been completely ruined, and paddy fields are now at risk due to standing water.
Farmers say months of hard work have been washed away overnight.
