Jodhpur, Aug. 17 -- At least 13 children fell ill from heat exhaustion during the state-level Independence Day celebrations in Jodhpur on Friday. The children were rushed to MDM Hospital, where they received treatment for mild dehydration and were later discharged. One of the students admitted to the hospital claimed that they were not allowed to drink water during the ceremony, which led to their condition worsening in the scorching heat. The incident triggered concern among police and administrative officials present at the event. The main ceremony was held at Barkatullah Khan Stadium, where chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma hoisted the National Flag at 9 am on Friday. The cultural performances began soon after, but by around 11 am, several children participating in formations started feeling unwell. They were given first aid at the venue, but as their condition did not improve, they were shifted to MDM Hospital in ambulances. Dr Vikas Rajpurohit, superintendent of MDM Hospital, confirmed that the children had suffered mild dehydration due to heat exhaustion. "All 13 children were admitted and given necessary treatment. They were discharged the same day after their condition stabilized," Dr Rajpurohit said. Meanwhile, the opposition leaders cornered the government over the mismanagement during the state-level Independence Day programme. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot wrote in a post on X, "Jodhpur people had to face a bunch of difficulties due to mismanagement in the state level Independence Day celebrations organized by the state government. More than 15 children had to be hospitalized due to dehydration at the event. Many people were not allowed to enter the event despite having entry passes. Even after the death of a child in a road accident, the insensitivity of the government and administration was visible. It is unfortunate that such situations have arisen in a pre-scheduled program of a national festival. The government should learn a lesson from this and make better preparations for the future."...