Several parts of Vidarbha were hit by unseasonal rains on Thursday. Nagpur city received 5 mm of rain, followed by 4 mm in Amravati, and 3 mm in Wardha. The untimely rains caused hardships for citizens as some roads were water-logged due to clogged storm drainage system, raising the question over the maintenance of these systems. The rains lashed the city for two hours, resulting in accumulation of water on roads in various parts of city, making it difficult for the citizens to navigate their way through. A day before, gusty winds had damaged power lines in many parts of Nagpur. The situation was worse on a couple of flyovers in city, and in areas where new concrete roads have been constructed.

 

Dhantoli area, that is witnessing construction of cement roads for many months now, was hit by water-logging. This made commuting difficult for citizens even after the rain had stopped a couple of hours ago. Sadar flyover also was inundated at various places, due to clogged drainage lines, especially near the bifurcation of flyover in Chhindwara direction.This is the same spot where debris collapsed from the bridge recently. Even after 2 hours of stoppage of rain, there was pool of water of approximately six to eight inches, almost covering both the lanes, leaving only middle part of the road to pass through. The two-wheelers from both sides where competing to use this part of road, creating a dangerous situation. The four-wheelers were more than happy to pass through water, often splashing the water on bike riders. Apart from flyovers, the water was also accumulated on stretch of road going from metro station near erstwhile Krazy Castle to Ambazari T-point.

 

The paver block section on the road was completely under water that made the road narrow for commuters in peak traffic hours. The Kalamna market also received the showers, but timely action by traders and farmers because of alerts issued by India Meteorological Department meant that stored commodities were least affected because of untimely rain. Sown onion, turmeric, summer sorghum, and mango orchards are particularly hit in Washim district due to unseasonal rains for third day straight. The heavy rains have not only reduced the yield but have also raised concerns about quality deterioration, leading to potential financial losses for farmers. Many of them, who were on the verge of harvesting their crops, now face uncertainty and distress. Given the scale of losses, farmers are urging Government to conduct an immediate survey and provide compensation.

 

The unseasonal rains have put their livelihood at risk, making Government intervention crucial to help them recover from the financial setback. The rains caused extensive damage to Rabi crops and orchards on 4,183 hectare area, leaving farmers in trouble yet again. Some talukas suffered more damage than others. The worst hit was Nandura where farms in around 49 villages were affected. Wheat, maize, jowar, onion, papaya and banana crops and plants on 1,655 hectare area have been damaged. Maize, jowar and onion crops on over 702 hectare have been destroyed in Motala taluka. Crops on 599 hectare in Sangrampur taluka wass damaged and 28 villages were affected. In Jalgaon Jamod 87 hectares in 10 villages, in Malkapur 90 hectares in 12 villages, in Khamgaon 954 hectares in 42 villages, in Buldhana 84 hectares of 14 villages and in Chikhli taluka crops on 12 hectar area were damaged in 2 villages.