Tamil Nadu   

River in spate is a spectacle of sorts

K.T. Sangameswaran

Adyar river is now one vast sheet of water from bank to bank Adyar river, practically dry the last few years, is now one vast sheet of water from bank to bank

CHENNAI: The Adyar River, now in spate, has become a spectacle of sorts for Chennai's residents. The river, practically dry the last few years, is now one vast sheet of water from bank to bank, especially after the Chembarampakkam tank was opened. This is a sight passers-by do not wish to pass up. They hover around the railings seeking a glimpse of the swollen river.

As flood victims along the banks in areas where the water is slowly receding are slowly getting back to retrieve their belongings, pedestrians and motorists linger on the Maraimalai Adigal Bridge, Saidapet to take in the spectacular sight of the river in spate.

From the bridge, children can be seen hurling paper balls into the river, which disappear quickly in the swirling waters. An enthusiastic group quickly crosses the road to have a look at the river from the other side.

Shocked by the sight of the now-mighty river, an elderly person asks his companion whether the waters caused any damage to the railway bridge between the Saidapet and Guindy stations.

On the banks of the river on either side of the bridge, a few people can be seen trying to fish out their belongings.

An elderly woman recovers a trunk and takes a look at its contents.

A few feet away, amidst the cluttered huts, a boy tries to paddle along sitting on a block of thermocol.

On the footpath, as spectators watch, a lone sub-inspector asks the crowd to keep moving.

The railing on the pavement has come in handy for the flood-affected to dry their clothes.

In a corner, a family has spread out a collection of photographs taken during a family function.

Pieces of paper and sacks, obviously belonging to rag-pickers, lie in the sun, mute testimony to livelihoods of the poor wiped out. In the nearby bus stand, a herd of cattle shelters.

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