The cloudy sky on Friday morning suddenly gathered momentum and triggered a downpour in Tirupati, leaving the temple city thoroughly drenched.
The cloudburst also affected the arrangements being made for the ensuing State-level Independence Day celebrations at Sri Venkateswara University’s sprawling Tarakarama Stadium. The incessant rain that lashed the stadium for over an hour left the stage decoration in tatters and hit arrangements painstakingly made for the grand gala flag hoisting ceremony and parade. Parts of the stadium turned slushy with pools of water stagnating. Protective tarpaulins were used to cover the important areas from getting excessively exposed to the rain.
A worried look initially writ on the faces of the Deputy Inspectors General of Police N. Prabhakara Rao (Anantapur range) and Vijay Kumar (APSP), Collector .S. Pradyumna and Superintendent of Police Abhishek Mohanty.
The artists rehearsing for cultural programmes and the cops training on motorcycle stunts were affected as they had to brave the rain for a while and some forced to abruptly cancel their practice.
As roofing and rainproof seating arrangements are provided to all the 5,580 participants, including 2,500 students, there is nothing much to worry about.
“Equal priority is given to the VIPs as well as the general public and all the stands will have a roof,” Mr. Pradyumna announced. A bitumen tar road has been laid immediately on the path earmarked for the parade, while saw dust will be filled and rolled on in the other areas. The civil works have been completed to the tune of 90% and the beautification work will be taken up on 13th, he added. The tableaux are getting ready at the adjacent Idgah Ground. The achievements of the Agriculture, CRDA, Forest, Housing, Forest, Education, Medical and Health, Rural Development, Tourism and Culture, Swachh Andhra, TTD and Welfare Departments will be showcased and the tableaux will also be taken in a procession around the city, for which a road map has been prepared.
