Pitter, patter, pitter, patter as the rain drops make the most beautiful sound while lashing down, it quenches the Earth’s thirst which has grown steadily over the past few months.
The earthly aroma wafts across as at first the droplets slowly caress your face and then eventually become like thousands of needles poking you as the speed swiftly takes over or you watch the thunder rolling as you are warm inside your blanket with a hot steaming cuppa. This amazing feeling which each one of us associates with rain is what we call monsoon. But not everything is the song and dance. Preparations should be done well before this monsoon can approach us. Let`s get drenched in preps.
The oppressive heat of summer has taken a toll on our lives and we are ready for some respite. According to the Indian Meteorological department rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to remain normal this season of 2020. The advent is likely to be before normal and the monsoons will hit the Kerala coast on June 27, earlier than the usual of July 1st. In the rural areas preparations are in full swing.
Land is being removed of weeds, tilled and being kept ready for sowing purposes which will happen according to the arrival of rains. Urban areas also need to be prepared for the rains. Roofs to be made leak proof, cleaned and coated with proofing if needed. South west and west facing walls which get exposed to the winds will also need protection which should be made sturdy enough.
The Chajjas of the box design will have to be cleaned, leaves and dust accumulated will have to be removed as are pipes being made ready for the downpour. It can also be the best time to indulge in sustainable development and contribute our bit to safeguard the environment by installing rainwater harvesting systems at our places, which will replenish the groundwater level. These systems require additional attention and hence preparations are required well in advance to cash in the opportunity at the right time.
In case of already installed systems joints will have to be examined for glue and it should be made sure that the clamps should be fixed properly if they have come over loose or are hanging. The rainwater filters need to be cleaned.
If basements are built in your premises then attention must be paid to potential sources of leakages, dampness and water proofing as basements are prone to seepage and flooding. Trees whose branches are weak or have termite attacks and are likely to fall must be identified with the help of experts and accordingly pruned. The doors and windows should also be attended to as metal framed doors may fall prey to rusting and so repainting them seems a good idea.
Wooden doors and windows which swell up should be repaired by a carpenter. Engage the services of an electrician to check all electrical connections, reviewing that these are not exposed to rains. Ventilators can be installed to reduce dampness. Keeping an eye on mosquitos is equally important as these tiny creatures wreak havoc if infected. Adhering to natural ways can be beneficial. Sunlight is minimal during monsoons so replacing heavy drapes with translucent lacy curtains would ensure that you can get as much sunlight as possible.
Though monsoon looks like a fun season yet it brings with it a risk of diseases and health effects. Bacteria and viruses thrive in this season in the absence of sunlight. Go the extra mile and rain proof your clothes by investing in a sturdy rain-coat. It is also important to wear light and loose clothes which dry easily to prevent the risk of catching a fungal infection. Keeping your hair dry as much as possible is another measure to be followed. Keep a change of dry clothes and towel handy. Keeping the vegetables and fruits clean and free of larvae and worms becomes a challenge and wash them extra carefully this monsoon season. Avoid oily and fried food which further lowers your immunity apart from the excess humidity.
Drinking safe and clean water regularly keeps one hydrated. Stock up on herbal teas and make turmeric milk your best friend. Our grandmothers and mothers have a secret ingredient stashed up their sleeves, make good use of the same which will help in combating cold and fever. Not to mention the usual routine of washing your hands and sanitizing regularly is to be followed continuously with social distancing measures.
Keeping these safety red flags in minds one can remain safe and healthy and enjoy a fun filled monsoon. In a country like India rains are in general spread over 30 to 60 days except for the coastal areas which can receive rains up to 150 days. So, if we are prepared to manage, receive, store and reuse rains we would achieve water resilience and sustainability which would be in actual sense water and monsoon wisdom.
Sanskriti Mehta
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