The 10 day Ganesh utsav in Mumbai is usually marked with a torrential downpour every year and 2020, is no different. The IMD has issued an 'Orange' warning in Mumbai and neighbouring areas of Palghar, Thane, Raigad and Ratnagiri districts, for Sunday.
Ganpati celebrations dampened
The community pandals wore an abandoned look where only a few masked volunteers and workers could be spotted, after heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai. The somber celebrations are a direct consequence of the threat of coronavirus transmission topped by heavy rains in Mumbai.
Mumbai has already recorded the highest rainfall in the month of August in 9 years and the current heavy downpours have resulted the IMD to issue an orange alert for Mumbai and neighbouring districts. The low-lying regions of the city run at a risk of being water-clogged or flooded which may give rise to major traffic jams. The BMC and other civic bodies have also been alerted to handle a severe situation if the need be. Various municipal services such as electricity, water and travel are also expected to face a disruption due to the heavy rains and the concerned authorities have been alerted against this. Warnings for local landslides in elevated hilly regions of Mumbai suburbs and a possibility of uprooting of trees have also been recognised.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture along the coast of North Maharashtra. A similar appeal has been made by the State Home Minister to the people of Mumbai and neighbouring regions to step out only when necessary with respect to the heavy rains and a looming pandemic.
Knock Knock
As grey clouds loom over the Konkan belt, the Ganpati celebrations take a dull tone too. We request all our readers to indulge into the festivities of the Ganesh Utsav while following all precautionary protocol for coronavirus as well as heavy rainfall safety. Post this weekend, the weather is expected to clear relatively.
