Heavy downpour ends long dry spell in Taj city

Agra Sep 22 (IANS) Heavy showers lashed Taj city on Friday ending a long dry spell which had raised fears of drought.

"Though the sky was overcast since Thursday a sudden downpour on Friday afternoon took everyone by surprise. The low lying areas as usual were inundated. The Soor Sadan crossing near the LIC building was under water for a long time disrupting traffic movement on the MG Road " said insurance agent Sudhier Gupta.

The Yamuna which had turned dry and brown showed signs of life again said Chairman Vedic Sutram Pramod Gautam who had conducted a Yagna at the river banks for rains two days ago.

"In many parts without irrigation facilities farmers suffered big losses due to the dry weather. The Kharif crop of millet has been badly affected " said Ravi Singh farmer of Barauli Ahir.

The rains have been widespread. In Mathura-Vrindavan "rains have come as a huge respite " according to Pavan Gautam.

--IANS
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