The severity of rain that lashed The Nilgiris over the last few days reduced on Saturday. And, on Sunday there was only drizzling. But, inclement weather had an impact on the flow of tourists and tourism related business.
Due to the rains, tourists were not allowed to step on the lawns in Botanical Garden on Sunday also. Teams of highways and fire and rescue services personnel were on high alert to clear road blocks because of land slips and tree falling. No such major incident was reported on Sunday. On Saturday Coonoor received 17.8 mm rainfall. The rest of the district received less than 6 mm rains.
Dams at Gethai and Kundha continued to over flow. Majority of the 13 dams in the district have reached full capacity or are nearing the mark.
Water logging had its impact on agriculture in low laying areas such as Ketti Palada, Muthorai Palada and Kappathorai. Farmers growing potato, cabbage and carrot had to harvest vegetables early to avert rotting of the plants.
The rains have, however, heaved given a sigh of relief for the forest department personnel. They said that the rains have delayed frosting (that usually begins in mid-November). This usually resulted in drying of leaves and increases risk of forest fires. The rains have also helped maintain the green cover.
NMR service resumes
Nilgiris Mountain Railway service that was suspended from Mettupalayam to Ooty from Friday morning resumed on Sunday.
The service was suspended after boulders that fell on the track near Adderley – between Mettupalayam and Coonoor – damaged the track. Trees that fell on the track, between Coonoor to Ooty, also had to be removed. On clearing the tracks and carrying out repair works the train services resumed from Sunday morning.
In Coimbatore, moderate rainfall on Sunday morning and drizzling at regular intervals had little impact on normal life.
