Severe tremors in Rajasthan

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, JAN. 26. The devastating quake which struck Gujarat early today triggered severe tremors in parts of western Rajasthan and districts adjoining Gujarat. Damage to buildings was reported from at least 15 districts while the quake had an impact in the Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Kota and Jaipur divisions.

Reports reaching here said the ``Golden fort'' of Jaisalmer and the Pokhran fort were also affected. No human casualty was reported from anywhere. Two mines in the Mochiakhan circle caved in carrying with them an approximately 10,000 tonnes of soil. Fortunately, nobody was working there at the time.

The Governor, Mr. Justice Anshuman Singh, cancelled the customary evening tea at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Republic Day.

The State Cabinet, after an emergency meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, decided to despatch 50 doctors with medicines worth Rs. 10 lakhs and paramedical staff to Gujarat. Mr. Gehlot and the Chief Secretary, Mr. Inderjeet Khanna, spoke to their Gujarat counterparts and offered all assistance.

Later, Mr. Gehlot told reporters that all Collectors had been alerted to watch out for aftershocks. Two senior IAS officers would be sent to coordinate relief work.

The public sector Hindustan Zinc Limited, the Rajasthan Metals and Mineral Ltd and the Rajasthan Bridge Corporation have been asked to rush cranes and excavators to clear the debris from the affected parts.

The CID office at Bakhasar in Barmer district caved in while cracks developed on the PWD office building. A room of the Rajiv Gandhi Patshala in the district and part of a school in Ekal village collapsed.

`Golden fort' damaged

In neighbouring Jaisalmer district, the tremors damaged the upper portions of the historic ``Golden fort'', besides causing cracks to the famous Zalim Singh's Haveli. The railings and cenotaphs of the Badal Vilas Mahal were also damaged. The upper portions of the Pokhran fort suffered damages in the quake. Cracks have been reported in a few houses also in the area.

Several buildings have been damaged in various parts of Jaipur, Tonk district, Ajmer, Kota, Bhilwara, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Jalore, Sirohi and Pali.

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