When it Rains, it Pours!

This statement sums up the monsoons in our country, which have been erratic in their schedules for close to 5 years now. We have been receiving unprecedented showers at odd times and one wonders what could be the reason for this.

We must also admit that a lot of our civic bodies are not equipped to deal with the monsoons, which wreak havoc in our cities and towns and blow away settlements in low-lying areas. What was once considered a respite from the summers has become a persistent issue whose solutions are available. However, the top-tier teams have turned a blind eye towards them.

We can’t entirely blame the authorities, since regular citizens also create problems of lack of civic sense, area encroachment and are incompetent in following rules and regulations. There are people in societies who try to shove their power and get things done without understanding the consequences of disturbing Mother Nature.

Waste management, rainwater harvesting and minimal power consumption should be topics discussed between citizens and the Government, however, these become agendas only during elections.

Many of our cities suffer from roadblocks, sewerage mismanagement and other issues because lake bodies have been filled up and high rises have been built, without considering the possible challenges in the future.

Without taking names of premier cities, it has become a habit to suffer during monsoons since preparedness is minimal, and millions of us are left at the mercy of the Almighty to ferry ourselves from home to work and vice-versa.

Yet, we weather the storms and incessant rains with the hope that things will get better. Planned urbanization and blending our lives with nature should be prioritised since concrete jungles house us, but the real world is between green grass and beautiful foliage.

As citizens of a growing country, we urge all decision-makers and administration bodies to listen to our pleas, improve preparations to mitigate the risks of unpredictable rainfall and develop solutions that keep our cities and towns safe from the wrath and fury of season changes.

The rains are a potent source of groundwater for us. We must harness it well for irrigation, be sensible in its usage and conserve it for future generations.

We live in the hope that the seasons return to normalcy, and we enjoy the thrills and bliss of the monsoons. God is kind and benevolent to all!