Heavy Rain Disrupts Life in Aurangabad; Jayakwadi Dam Gates Open
- Heavy rain in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar caused significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions on Monday.
- The Jayakwadi dam's gates were opened to manage the increased water influx, releasing water into the Godavari basin.
- The sudden downpour and subsequent dam management actions highlighted the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Heavy rainfall in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar disrupted daily life after a 20-day dry spell. The rain began around 4:30 PM on Monday and lasted for approximately 20 minutes, causing significant waterlogging across various neighborhoods, including Akashwani, Garkheda, and Cidco. The MGM observatory recorded 21.9 mm of rainfall by 7 PM, while Chikalthana noted 4.2 mm by 5:30 PM. The sudden downpour coincided with the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other high-ranking officials, leading to traffic congestion on Jalna Road as their convoy passed through the city. In response to the heavy rains, the Jayakwadi dam's gates were opened to manage the increased water influx. The administration opened 12 gates at 1 AM on Wednesday and an additional six gates later that morning, releasing water into the Godavari basin. The dam was reported to be 99.78 percent full, with an influx of 4,169 cusecs and a release of 9,432 cusecs from the 18 gates. This marked the second time this month that the dam's gates had been opened due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. The rainfall not only affected traffic but also posed challenges for residents, particularly those commuting home from work. Two-wheeler riders faced severe difficulties navigating the waterlogged streets. The brief but intense rainfall highlighted the vulnerability of the city's infrastructure to sudden weather changes. Additionally, the Cidco police made a significant arrest of a known criminal involved in mobile phone thefts and motorcycle thefts, showcasing ongoing efforts to enhance public safety amidst the chaos caused by the weather.