Delhi Meteorological Department predicts rains during Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI - With less than a month left for the Commonwealth Games 2010, the Meteorological Department on Sunday predicted rainfall in October, in the city and nearby regions.

Director of the Indian Meteorological Department B. P. Yadav said New Delhi is likely to receive rainfall in October as well.

“As far as the question of Commonwealth Games is concerned, many times in the first half of October, if we consider the data of last 100 years, there are possibilities of rainfall in October. If we talk in terms of climate, then there are chances that in Delhi, and the whole of northwest India there are chances of a rainfall in the first half of October,” said Yadav.

New Delhi had a record rainfall during this monsoon season, much higher than during the same period of previous years.

“It is difficult to predict the amount of rainfall we will receive in the month of October. But the conditions are favourable that at least the rains will continue in September. And there are no symptoms of early monsoon withdrawal. Thus, we can clearly predict that there are no signs of early withdrawal of monsoon,” said Yadav.

Monsoon activity picked up once again over New Delhi on Sunday and its suburbs, leading to traffic snarls and chaotic situation on the roads.

“Whenever it rains, the water collects here. Today, there is not much water, otherwise the road is blocked due to traffic for hours. The government is investing money on Commonwealth Games, but they do not have money to invest here. Nobody comes and checks here, not even a policeman,” said Sachin Yadav, a local.

Several drains have overflowed, and many roads severely damaged during the monsoon season, fuelling fears that the deadlines for the city’s infrastructure development would not be met in time for the Games in October. (ANI)