Incessant rain leaves Vadodara’s old city areas inundated

Vadodara: Just a week ago, it seemed that the region would fall short of its average rainfall this season. But over the last 48 hours, the city has been receiving incessant showers. It began pouring on Tuesday night and the rains didn’t take a break even for a minute till Thursday evening. District authorities said that the city may receive more rains in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The sun was shining bright on Tuesday evening but by 8.30 pm, rains suddenly lashed the city and it poured throughout the night. Three inches of rains pounded the city between 8 pm on Tuesday to 6 am on Wednesday, leaving many areas water-logged.
From the Raopura Road, Nagarwada, Jubileebaug and Dandia Bazaar in the old city to Sayajigunj and Akota in western parts, entire city was submerged in knee-deep waters by Wednesday morning. Potholes were seen on roads in Karelibaug, Gorwa and Atladara putting commuters at risk.
While the civic officials were out on the roads assessing the situation, the fire brigade was also kept on alert. “Since years, even a bout of rain leaves this road submerged in water. It doesn’t just affect our business but also damages the property,” said a shop-owner who sells stationery products on the Raopura Road.
On Wednesday too, there was no respite for Barodians as the city received another three inches of rain. Though the showers got milder on Thursday, the authorities are keeping a close watch on Vishwamitri River that passes through the city. Thousands of citizens reside in the colonies on the banks of this river that swells fast during the monsoons.
Following heavy rains in eastern parts of the district, the authorities are planning to release waters from Dev Dam in Waghodia. If the water is released on Thursday, residents of villages near Dev River may be put on alert.