Ajmer: Congress workers Thursday staged a protest at Ana Sagar Lake in Ajmer, alleging negligence by the district administration after water was pumped out of the lake, leading to the death of hundreds of fish and a foul smell in the surrounding area.Led by Ajmer City Congress president Rajkumar Jaipal, party workers held a dharna at Chowpati wearing face masks and raised slogans against the administration. They later submitted a memorandum to District Collector Lok Bandhu, demanding an FIR against officials responsible for the decision to pump out the lake without consulting environmental experts.According to Congress leaders, the administration lowered the lake’s water level ahead of the monsoon to facilitate desilting. However, with delayed rainfall, water from drains entered the lake, allegedly resulting in the death of hundreds of fish.Jaipal alleged the foul smell made it difficult for residents to remain near the lake and warned that the party would intensify its agitation if the issue was not resolved within seven days.In the memorandum, Congress also sought action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, alleging that fish, turtles and other biodiversity in and around the lake were affected. It further alleged the administration’s actions harmed Ajmer’s image as a tourist city.
