Rains of Mumbai

These days the rains are drenching Mumbai city. The skies are overcast and grey. The trees are cheerful and washed afresh. The roads and footpaths also get a free cleaning service. The city smells fresh and clean.

There are some downsides too. When it rains ceaselessly, then the local trains services get disrupted. Many train tracks get inundated with water. So, people are late to work and absenteeism is high. When the roads are flooded, then the traffic also just crawls. A normal car journey of an hour, can take up to three hours. Nevertheless, nobody complains.

People accept some of the inconveniences of the heavy showers, because the rains are critical for the fields, where our crops grow. Without adequate rains our food production suffers, leading to inflation. Rains also fills the various lakes of Mumbai, which provide drinking water throughout the year. There are always deep concerns when the rains are late or scarce.

The rains are a time for slowing down a wee bit, enjoying the beauty and bounties of nature. Occasionally, we are lucky to see a rainbow also. It brings joy.

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India