Pune: Preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Pune faced significant hurdles today after a heavy downpour turned the event venue, the grounds of Sir Parshuram (SP) College, into a muddy quagmire.

Despite ongoing efforts by the local administration to manage the situation, heavy rainfall on the eve of the rally has complicated preparations, leaving the grounds waterlogged and muddy.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Pune on Thursday (26th) to inaugurate the much-anticipated underground metro project, which runs from the district courts to Swargate, along with several other developmental projects.

The rally, which is expected to draw a large crowd, will be held at the Sir Parshuram College grounds.

For the past two to three days, the district administration has been busy setting up the stage and organizing seating for citizens. However, heavy rains on Tuesday (24th) led to waterlogging, prompting the administration to dig drainage channels and lay pipes to divert water from the grounds.

Gravel and stones were spread across the muddy roads leading to the venue to improve accessibility for the public.

Today's (September 25) heavy rainfall, which struck in the afternoon, further aggravated the situation, causing widespread water accumulation at various points on the grounds, with water levels rising above ankle height in some areas.

The rain left much of the venue covered in thick mud, making it difficult for the administration to ensure a clean and dry space for the rally.

Despite continuous efforts by the Pune Municipal Corporation and the district administration to control the situation, including spreading more gravel and stones, drying the grounds completely ahead of the rally has proven to be an uphill task.

With only hours remaining before the Prime Minister’s arrival, officials are under pressure to minimize the impact of the weather and ensure the safety and comfort of the attendees.

Officials are hopeful that the weather will improve, allowing them to finish the necessary preparations before the rally begins. The administration is also exploring other options, such as improving drainage systems at the venue to manage any further rainfall.