Residents of the Osman Nagar area in Balapur mandal, Rangareddy district, are not upset about the deficit rainfall in the area. In fact, they see it as a blessing in disguise. The area has been submerged in Venkatapuram Lake for two years, causing problems for both the residents and the authorities in Jalpally and Badangpet municipalities.
Balapur mandal shares boundaries with both municipalities and has received only 370.7 mm of rainfall this monsoon season, compared to the normal cumulative rainfall of 573.7 mm. This makes Balapur the mandal with the highest deficit rainfall in the district, at -35.4 percent.
Out of the 27 mandals in Rangareddy district, only Balapur has received deficit rainfall this year. The other mandals have experienced excess or normal rainfall. The officials and staff in Jalpally area constantly receive complaints about inundated streets and houses during even the slightest rain.
The houses in Osman Nagar are still submerged in lake water, and residents living close to the water body regularly inform the authorities about the rising water levels. Jalpally is known for its encroachments on water bodies and flood flow canals, making it a hub for land grabbers.
Not only the officials but also the residents are scared whenever they hear the sound of rain. Every time it rains, residents find themselves waist-deep in water, forcing them to evacuate their homes and clean up afterwards.
Overall, the deficit rainfall in Balapur may be seen as a blessing by some, but it continues to pose challenges and disruptions for both the residents and authorities in the area.
