Gujarat's Hamirsar lake overflows, Bhuj flooded

When rain started pouring in Bhuj at around 2.30am on Monday, enthusiasts in the capital of dry region of Kutch erupted with joy expecting Hamirsar Lake to get filled with water. In the morning, as the water level rose in the Hamirsar Lake, residents started preparing- Megh ladu-thinking the Hamirsar would be filled to its capacity- known as Augan in traditional language. Augan of Hamirsar marks celebration in Bhuj as it is declared holiday in school, colleges and government offices.

 Even as the municipality chief started preparation and announced that at 12:00 pm they would start procession to welcome new water in the Hamirsar, the joy suddenly turned into nightmare as water from the lake began entering low lying area and situation in parts along the lake so worsened that people were evacuated from societies like Ummed Nagar. Situation was similar in posh localities and low lying area with electricity line and phone network disrupted.

Pragati Mehta, who lives in an apartment near Hamirsar lake said, "The initial joy turned into nightmare as water from the lake started entering city area and in surrounding area.”