The recent spell of rains that began on Wednesday have garba organisers concerned over their events planned for the nine nights of Navratri. It rained about 17 mm on Wednesday and the city witnessed cloudy and moist weather for a significant part of the day on Thursday. Late in the evening, heavy rains lashed the city resulting in waterlogging in several low-lying areas. This led to closure of vehicular traffic on Shahibaug and Akhbar Nagar underpasses.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rains till Tuesday, while Navratri begins on Sunday.
"It will be a big problem, if rains continue. We had thought that the rains have departed but they have made a comeback. This is a matter of serious concern for all commercial garba organisers," said Anil Shah director of Rajpath Club. What has come to his rescue that unlike previous years, Rajpath Club has not been organising commercial garba events since last year, or else it would be facing financial uncertainties. This year, it has organised events for its members only.
An event manager, who did not wish to be named, told DNA that rains have been proving to be a major concern for the past couple of years. While earlier, rains would depart much before Diwali, recent years have witnessed rains during Navratri. "We have made so many investments. We have made payements to artists, rent for the ground, painting and other services. If it rains during Navratri, the buyers of tickets and passes would definitely decline and entire investment will go down the drain," said the event manager.
Waterlogging in city
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Several low-lying areas in the city were flooded on Thursday night following heavy downpour
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| This led to closure of vehicular traffic on Shahibaug and Akhbar Nagar underpasses |
Another manager at a leading club said that the slowdown has already worsened the situation as sponsors are no longer supporting the events the way they used to support till a few years ago. "Moreover, with the recent crackdown on traffic violators and with the amended Motor Vehicles Act coming into force, masses are a worried lot because huge fines are levied for traffic and parking violations. If rains also play traunt, organizers will be in a fix," said the event organizer.
He hoped that considering the overall scenario, the police and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation should relax the timings of garba events so that enthusiasts can come to the events.
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