Boon to Farmers, Pain for Residents as Heavy Rain Lashes Vellore

The district has received an average rainfall of 22.92 mm in a period of 24 hours from 8.30 am on Sunday, several houses were filled with water.

VELLORE:  The district has received an average rainfall of 22.92 mm in a 24 hour period from 8.30 am on Sunday. Arakkonam (66 mm) and Kaveripakkam (43.22 mm) recorded the highest rainfall during the period. Vellore (38 mm), Ambur (20 mm),  Walajapet (18 mm), Sholinghur (22 mm) and Arcot (32.2 mm) also recorded good rainfall.

Calling the continuous sharp showers across the district as a blessing for the farmers, farmer L C Mani of Tamil Nadu Vivasaigal Sangam said that the incessant rain will increase the ground water levels and give promising yields to farmers in the coming season. He, however, said that encroachments on water bodies dim the possibility of water storage in PWD tanks, ponds and lakes in the district.

In Vellore City, residential areas in Kansalpet, Kaspa, Shenpakkam and several other areas along the Nicholson Canal were flooded. Several houses were also filled with knee deep rain water.

Rains dampen spirit:

It is likely to be a quiet Deepavali this year!  As two days of incessant rains on Sunday and Monday  dampened the spirit of festivities making for a wet Deepavali. The spiralling cost of fire-crackers, people losing interest in bursting crackers in addition to the unexpected rains have attributed to this.

Many private vendors have admitted that sales of crackers have been dull. Enquiries in the bazaar area revealed that the cost of crackers, by and large, have increased up to 30 to 40 per cent this year as compared to last year. However, gift packs, priced in the range of `100-`750 with neat, air-tight packaging are selling well. Cooperative outlets in and around Vellore were able to increase sales to the salaried class.

Compared to last year, youngsters seem to have lost interest in bursting crackers as residential areas were free from the usual noise and smoke. The closing of schools and colleges on Monday because of the rains was welcomed by youngsters. Some parents however, rued that the unexpected holiday had put them in a spot as their wards had become restless since they were unable to burst crackers. Most people remained in their houses.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board geared up to monitor the air-quality  during the festival and initiate dsuitable action against those who flout the norms.