Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to cancel his visit to Pune on Thursday due to heavy rainfall that has been affecting the city and surrounding areas. The visit was significant as PM Modi was scheduled to inaugurate a new Pune Metro line and kick off the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral campaign in Maharashtra. However, the heavy rains disrupted the plans, leading to the delay of the Metro launch and other development initiatives.
Heavy Rainfall Causes Chaos in Pune
The heavy rainfall in Pune has been causing chaos in the city since Wednesday, with over 130 mm of rain recorded in a single day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an “orange” alert for the Pune district, warning of more heavy rain to come. The heavy downpour disrupted traffic, leading to road closures and traffic congestion as the city prepared for PM Modi’s visit. In response to the weather alerts, the district collector of Pune ordered schools to remain closed on Thursday to ensure the safety of residents.
The cancellation of PM Modi’s visit not only affected the inauguration of the new Pune Metro line but also delayed the launch of several other development initiatives that were planned for the day. The completion of Phase-1 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, which includes the underground section connecting District Court to Swargate at an estimated cost of Rs 1,810 crore, was set to be a milestone for the city’s public transportation system.
Mumbai Faces Similar Weather Woes
The heavy rainfall that has been affecting Pune is not limited to the city alone. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, also experienced torrential rain on Wednesday evening, leading to the deaths of four people and significant flooding in various parts of the city. The heavy rain in Mumbai resulted in disruptions in Central Railway services, flight diversions, and traffic congestion, adding to the chaos caused by the weather.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced the closure of schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad due to the severe weather conditions and associated warnings. The Mumbai Police advised residents to stay indoors and only venture out if absolutely necessary to avoid any risks posed by the intense rainfall and lightning. At Mumbai airport, 14 flights were redirected, and seven others had to abort their landings, circling back for another attempt due to the adverse weather conditions.
Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall in both Pune and Mumbai, authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas. The cancellations and delays caused by the weather may have disrupted plans and caused inconvenience, but the focus remains on managing the situation effectively and minimizing any potential risks to the public.
Conclusion
The impact of heavy rainfall in Pune and Mumbai has been significant, leading to disruptions in transportation, infrastructure, and daily life. The cancellation of PM Modi’s visit to Pune highlights the challenges posed by the weather conditions and the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such events in the future. As the cities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rain, efforts are underway to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of residents. The coordination between local authorities, emergency services, and residents will be crucial in navigating through these challenging times and building resilience against similar weather events in the future.
