It has been three years since I moved here, to Pune. Coming from Chenai, where rains make guest appearances every now & again or lash out breaking the city in December tanks to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, I have never lived in a city or town that had monsoon rains. So, it was a pleasant change the 1st year when monsoons right as I moved here [ in Aug]. This year, Pune, known as the quintessential IT hub of India, has been experiencing a monsoon like never before. The city, known for its pleasant weather, has been transformed into a water wonderland (or a watery nightmare, depending on your perspective). Infact the last couple of days, we haven’t stepped outside cos it has been raining nonstop and I keep seeing news updates of water being released from dams which leads to overflowing rivers and flooding in certain pockets of the main city [which is about an hour from where we live].
The Monsoon Mayhem
It’s no secret that Pune has been drenched in an unprecedented amount of rainfall this year. What started as a refreshing respite from the scorching summer heat quickly escalated into a full-blown monsoon madness. Streets turned into rivers, traffic came to a standstill, and the city’s infrastructure was put to a serious test.
From torrential downpours to unexpected floods, Pune has seen it all. While the lush greenery and the cool breeze that accompany the rains are undeniably enchanting, the city’s residents have also had to deal with their fair share of challenges. Waterlogging, power cuts, and traffic snarls have become synonymous with the Pune monsoon.
Silver Linings
Despite the chaos, there’s no denying the beauty of Pune during the monsoon. The city takes on a magical aura, with every drop of rain adding to its charm. The Sahyadri mountains, which surround Pune, look even more majestic when shrouded in mist. And the aroma of wet earth is a sensory delight that can’t be replicated.
Moreover, the abundant rainfall has filled up our reservoirs, ensuring a steady water supply for the city. Farmers in the surrounding areas are also rejoicing as their crops thrive in the ample moisture. Another thing that surprised me the first year was how life goes on as usual – delivery, household help, etc – nothing gets disrupted. I shouldn’t say this out loud, but we rarely have any power cuts. [Compared to Chennai where we would have power and internet outages oh so often the minute it rained, and not get fixed for days/hours cos of water logging situation]
A Call for Caution
While we enjoy the beauty and benefits of the monsoon, it’s essential to stay safe. The unpredictable nature of the rains can be dangerous. It’s crucial to avoid low-lying areas, drive cautiously, and be prepared for emergencies. We have seen enough instances of people losing their homes and lives cos of the rains, and then there are others who go to the hills or near water bodies to take a selfie and end up getting injured. Not only it is stupid, but you are putting lives of others [ rescue operators] at risk!!
Have you experienced the Pune monsoon madness? Share your stories and pictures in the comments below
