Nashik authorities gear up for cloudburst-like heavy rains on Tue; say all precautions being taken

Nashik, Jul 6 PTI) Authorities in Nashik said all preparations are underway in view of likely cloudburst-like heavy rains in the district on Tuesday. District officials said instructions have been issued to shut all schools and colleges as well as heavily-patronised temples, including the Lord Trimbakeshwar temple at Trimbakeshwar and Goddess Saptashringi temple at Vani, and weekly markets in Trimbakeshwar, Igatpuri, Nashik rural, Peth, Dindori and Surgana talukas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the possibility of cloudburst-like very heavy rains in Trimbakeshwar, Igatpuri and western areas of Nashik taluka on July 7, an official said. "Due to the intense low pressure area in Arabian Sea, there is a strong possibility of cloudburst-like rain in Trimbakeshwar, Igatpuri and western parts of Nashik taluka tomorrow. There is possibility of around 300 mm of rainfall in Trimbakeshwar and surrounding areas," collector Ayush Prasad said at a press conference on Monday. He said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given instructions to the district administration to remain alert. Accordingly, all precautionary measures are being taken. During this period, citizens should venture out of their homes only if needed. Farmers should also avoid going to their fields, Prasad said. He said some roads will be closed due to fear of landslides, while police, home guards and 'aapda mitras' will be posted at waterfalls, forts and others areas where tourists gather during rains. "As the Mumbai-Delhi rail route passes through Igatpuri taluka, instructions have been issued to the railways to remain alert. Watch will be kept on weirs in flood prone areas. Instructions have been given to the Zilla Parishad Small Irrigation Department to open the gates of these weirs as per necessity," Prasad added. Zilla Parishad CEO Omkar Pawar said the health department has cancelled leaves of all officials and employees and they have been given instructions to remain at their headquarters. Stocks of all necessary medicines has been made available at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and sub-centres, he added. Superintendent of Police Dr DS Swami said personnel will be posted at all vulnerable areas in the district. Due to the incessant rain in the district, 1,614 cusecs of water was released from Nandur-Madhmeshwar weir at 6 pm on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said, "The weather situation till July 8 requires constant monitoring. There is a possibility of a cloudburst-like event in parts of Nashik tomorrow. We are keeping a close watch on the situation, and all agencies have been alerted." PTI COR BNM