Little Johnny wants to play

In the village I grew up, the rainy season is non-issue, as the rains never created any big havoc. It will at the most rain only for a few hours on most days during the rainy season. The River Tambirabarani, that flows through my village, however will be flooded during the winter and the course of the stream will change. The water level in the river will have receeded mostly after a week. When I came to Chennai, I started experiencing the chaotic monsoon season for the first time. Chennai being a coastal town, cyclones were often formed during winter and the rains along with strong winds lasting for several days.

Chennai is the only metro where the natural water resources are not there. It completely depends upon monsoon rain to fill up the lakes that supply water to city. As the city expanded, the drinking water supply did not grow enough to meet the demands.As a result. in most of the residential colonies, that developed in recent times, a good water supply and drainage system are still not available. People living here mostly have to depend upon well water. Initially, the water from these wells will be good. But, as the population in the near by areas increases, the water level will start going down and it will not remain fit for drinking. Eventually, after much effort, the local panchayat will start providing drinking water through pipes. The water, however, will only come through these pipes once in two days or at times, once in a week. People often move into new colonies, only to have a lot of living space. That way, one could allot a room for their parents, kids and themselves too. But when the villain in the form of water shortage appears, he too should be provided with a room. One weeks supply of water needs to be stored in various types of vessels to satisfy our needs. Normally, one's parent’s room will be sacrificed to accomodate the new hero of the house -water!

During rainy days in Chennai, most of the streets will be full of water, yet drinking water will continue to be scarce. When there is heavy rain, all roads will be battered and pot holes will start appearing in every part of the road. Bus service will become irregular. If you are a two wheel driver, chances of you attending office or heading back to home in time will become doubtful. As in most roads, water will start stagnating, your vehicle will have to wade through water. Although your experience will warn you, you will be inspired by your fellow riders, who are gliding the water effortlessly. In areas where water level is more you have to go in full throttle; otherwise water will enter into your silencer pipe and your vehicle will stop. If that happens, you have to go to a mechanic's garage. Luckily, most of the mechanics during the rainy season, position themselves near these areas and they also charge you accordingly. In some low level underground bridges, small fishing boats will also be stationed to facilitate reaching the other end, but of course, all this for a charge. After shelling out all the money and your energy, you may eventually reach your destination, making a vow never to venture again in the two-wheeler during the rainy season. When the next rain comes, will the vow be remembered and the mistake not repeated? That's another issue. When the rain stops, however little Johnny can start playing again.