The month of October has been witnessing intermittent showers through out the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. While this has been discouraging many people in Tamil Nadu, since it was like a small peanut for the hunger of elephant since these showers were far from sufficient to replenish the depleted ground water level. Starting 26th the situations changed a new leaf when there was an unprecedented cyclonic tropical storm, which the Met Offices branded as Low Pressure Trough in Bay of Bengal.
There were incessant rains throughout the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Worst hit places include HSR, Koramangala in Bangalore and many places in North Madras like Perambur. Places in North Madras witnessed even boats being carried from Kasimedu to rescue people to ferry them out of water-logged areas where they were stranded. There were'nt any isolated instances of MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses turning into INS-MTC, where INS stands Indian Naval Service.
Large number Trains were also canceled. Bangalore - Chennai route is almost currently nil with all significant trains and my Love, LalBagh also being canceled. While these significantly reflect the status of the effects of rains in the important cities of South India, there are certain learnings too:
- Were the administrations prepared to face the challenges of Nature? From time immemorial, there has been fight of River Kaveri and now when Nature was giving it in aplently in Cauvery Delta, the reservoirs were not able to cope up with the storage. There is a dire need for the governments of the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to augment the storage capacity of the reservoirs.
- Poor local administration -- All roads bumped up within hours of downpour. All summer these guys could have planned for good road foundation and since they were lethargic, rain had some fun with them. There is a proverb too called 'Make Hay while sun shines'.
More to learn from Nature, which is a big book for everyone...
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