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In the last phase of monsoon in Uttar Pradesh, the weather pattern has once again become aggressive. The Zonal Meteorological Center of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Lucknow, has issued a fresh warning and declared an alert of strong thunderstorm, severe thunder and torrential rain in most of the districts of Western Uttar Pradesh. The combined effect of the active monsoon trough and the western disturbance over North India has caused rapid changes in atmospheric pressure over the entire western region. Due to this, 85 to 90 percent humidity is being recorded in the atmosphere. Meteorologists estimate that heavy to very heavy rainfall may be recorded in some areas with strong gusty winds reaching a speed of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. People who have been suffering from the humid and sticky heat for the past few days will get relief from this rain in the form of drop in temperature, but at the same time they may have to face water logging in low-lying areas, interruption in power supply and huge problems in daily commuting. The administration and the State Relief Commissioner’s office have issued strict instructions to all the District Magistrates to remain on alert mode and keep the disaster management system fully active.
In the districts adjacent to the National Capital Region (NCR), Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida-Greater Noida), Ghaziabad, Hapur and Meerut, there is a camp of dense dark clouds in the sky since Saturday morning. According to the Meteorological Department, intermittent spells of heavy rain can be seen in these districts. There is a strong possibility of slowing down of traffic due to waterlogging on Noida and Greater Noida Expressway, DND Flyover, Rajnagar Extension of Ghaziabad and Meerut Road. Local municipal corporations and development authorities have deployed pumping sets and drain cleaning squads on emergency duty to deal with the waterlogging situation immediately. School children and office-going daily commuters have been advised to take extra caution due to water-logging in narrow streets and main intersections in urban areas of Meerut, Modinagar and Muradnagar. The traffic police has appealed to drivers to avoid overspeeding during rains, maintain safe distance between vehicles and avoid parking vehicles under trees or old electric poles.
The effect of cyclonic circulation is clearly visible in the entire Braj region including Taj city Agra, Kanha city Mathura, Firozabad, Hathras and Aligarh. The Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall and strong lightning in these districts. The mercury was recorded above normal in Agra during the last 24 hours, but after this seasonal change, the maximum temperature may drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. From the tourism point of view, the district administration has issued a special warning for lakhs of devotees and tourists coming to visit the world famous Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and major temples of Mathura-Vrindavan. Instructions have been given not to make unnecessary trips to the open fields and coastal ghats of Yamuna. Entrepreneurs have been alerted to protect raw materials and manufacturing units kept in the open in the industrial areas of Firozabad and Aligarh from rain. Special monitoring is being maintained in areas sensitive to lightning strikes.
The impact of the weather may become more severe in the areas of Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Bijnor located at the northern end of western Uttar Pradesh due to their proximity to the hills of Uttarakhand. Due to heavy rains in the neighboring hill states, an unexpected rise in the water level of the tributaries of Hindon, Yamuna and Ganga is being recorded. Boats and relief teams have been kept ready to deal with the flood-like situation in the villages situated on the river banks in Khadar areas of Saharanpur and Shamli. Due to strong winds in Muzaffarnagar, there is a danger of collapse of old and weak structures and hoardings, in view of which the municipal administration has issued notices by identifying dangerous buildings. In the Ruhilkhand area of Moradabad, Rampur and Bareilly, there is a forecast of heavy rain at many places along with continuous movement of clouds, due to which the humid heat will completely end and the feeling of coolness will increase in the atmosphere.
This sudden change in weather has increased the worries of the farmers of western Uttar Pradesh. At present, paddy, sugarcane, millet and various types of green vegetables are in the final or maturity stage in the fields. Agricultural scientists and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have issued advisories to farmers saying that due to strong storms and waterlogging, the risk of sugarcane and tall variety paddy plants falling in the field increases, which can affect the yield. Farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage system in the fields so that excessive water does not accumulate in the roots. Additionally, immediately stop spraying any kind of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers until the weather clears, because these chemicals get washed away in rain water and become ineffective. Vegetable growing farmers have been instructed to immediately drain water from the fields, especially of tomato, ridge gourd, gourd and chilli.
The most serious aspect of this weather system is the excessive incidence of lightning. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has issued life-saving safety instructions for farm laborers and open cattle herders in rural and semi-urban areas of western UP. Citizens have been requested to immediately take shelter in a permanent house or safe shelter as soon as thunder is heard. Do not under any circumstances take shelter under tall trees, tin sheds, iron towers or electric poles standing alone. If farmers working in the fields get stuck in the open, instead of lying on the ground, they should squat with their legs crossed and hide their head between their knees. Keep an eye on real-time lightning alerts by downloading ‘Damini’ and ‘Mausam’ apps on mobile. To report any emergency or accident, the state relief helpline number 1070 and the local police helpline 112 can be contacted immediately.
According to the Meteorological Department, this activity of rain and clouds will continue in Western Uttar Pradesh for the next 48 to 72 hours, after which the weather is likely to gradually become normal.