Heavy rains cause traffic snarls, power breakdowns in Agra

Agra July 9 (IANS) Three spells of heavy showers Monday inundated low-lying areas in the Taj city, leading to traffic snarls and power breakdowns.

Residents welcomed the rains but lamented poor governmental efforts to clean up the mess left behind by the heavy downpour.

The municipal corporation teams looked helpless as rain water flooded the MG Road at several crossings, including at the Soor Sadan auditorium point right next to the corporation office.

"Traffic at the busy crossings was jammed for long hours and school-going children were drenched n the afternoon downpour," said school teacher Meera.

Encroachments made the situation worse as water could not flow into the drains which too were choked in most parts. "People living along the drains had a tough time as water entered into their homes in Loha Mandi and Ashok Nagar areas," said motorist Rajeev Gupta.

Farmers in the rural hinterland however welcomed the Monday downpour with open arms.

"This is a welcome rain, every drop is important. The water table was going down steeply. We hope there will be some more showers so that the ponds could be filled. The rain is good for the Kharif crop," said farmer Ravi Singh.

Power breakdown whole of Monday afternoon in many parts of the city angered residents who sent out protest notes and lodged complaints but without results.

Mohan Bhatia, a twowheeler dealer at the Bhagwan Talkies crossing said: "For three days now we have no light and all our work is disrupted. So many complaints have been lodged with the private discom, but there is no result."

Torrent Power Ltd officials however said they were doing their best in the circumstances to address grievances promptly, but heavy showers came in the way of restoring supply.

Local politicians have blamed the Torrent of poor maintenance. Leaders of the state's ruling Samajwadi Party have met Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow to complain against the private discom. Several other groups have demanded review of the arrangement with the private power distribution company which had made tall promises but has failed to deliver.