Traffic snarls put off motorists in Amritsar

Heavy rain on Tuesday brought relief from the sweltering heat, but also led to chaos in the city.

Waterlogging was reported from several parts of the city. Long traffic jams too put commuters off.

Several busy roads and low-lying stretches were inundated, forcing motorists and two-wheeler riders to risk their lives.

“The rain has certainly made the weather pleasant after several days of humidity. But waterlogging becomes a major problem whenever it rains. The administration needs to ensure that drains are cleaned before every spell,” said Jagveer Singh, a city resident.

Shopkeepers in affected areas said the rain hit their business severely. “Residents avoid stepping out when it rains. For small establishments, even a few hours of disruption can affect the day’s business,” said Rajan, a grocery store owner.

A harrowed commuter said: “It becomes risky to ride through waterlogged roads as potholes and open drains are difficult to spot,” said a commuter.

Auto-rickshaw drivers also reported difficulties navigating flooded stretches.

Meanwhile, farmers welcomed the rainfall, saying the showers would benefit standing crops and reduce the need for irrigation, although excessive rain could create problems in low-lying agricultural fields.

The drop in temperature following repeated showers has brought considerable relief to residents. Weather officials have predicted more rainfall in the coming days, with the wider monsoon spell expected to remain active across the region.