Rain in Chandigarh threatens International Yoga Day event

Chandigarh, June 20: Mild showers in the city on Monday evening brought much relief from the scorching heat conditions, but worried authorities as it may threaten the main event of International Yoga Day to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Tuesday morning.

"There are high chances of rainfall in Chandigarh and nearby areas on Tuesday too," Surinder Paul, director of the meteorological office here, told IANS.

He said the local administration has been informed in this regard.

"We are providing weather inputs to the administration on an hourly basis," he added.

Chandigarh Home Secretary Anurag Aggarwal said the administration has made special arrangements if there is rainfall.

"We have deployed more than 500 workers at the venue for removing mats in case of rainfall and then putting them back after the rain stops," he added.

The second International Yoga Day will be celebrated across the country with the main event in Chandigarh.

Over 30,000 participants -- 10,000 each from Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana -- will take part in the main event to be held at Capitol Complex where Modi will also be present. It will begin at 6.30 a.m. and will last for 45 minutes.

Local residents will do yoga at a total of 180 centres spread across the city.

IANS