From correspondents in Uttar Pradesh, India, 05:02 PM IST

Early rains are a major relief for farmers but not for tourists visiting the city, which is home of the Taj.

The hot and sticky weather is causing much discomfort to the tourists at the Taj Mahal. 'Since there's hardly any wind movement, it feels suffocating, forcing many a tourist to stay confined to their hotel rooms,' said Shoaib, a guide.

The government agencies should provide umbrellas and water bottles to help the tourists. Even the shoe covers remain in short supply, he said.

Farmers are busy due to early rains and they hope that the rains would continue for the rest of the monsoon period.

Ravi Singh, an agriculturist of Barauli Ahir, said the farmers have spotted a rare weed growing all over, which, according to traditional wisdom, foretells drought later.

'Smaller streams which for several years had remained dry are full so are the check dams in several blocks of the district. Areas bordering Rajasthan have also received bountiful rains. This has come as quite a relief,' said B.B. Barik, an agricultural economics expert.

The river Yamuna is full of water for a change, said Jal Sansthan engineer M.D. Choudhary.

Reports from Kheragarh tehsil say breaches in some check dams have caused flood-like situation in some areas.

In Agra the power supply situation has worsened. 'In over half the city, there was no electricity supply for the entire day Thursday. Even now, the supply continues to remain erratic,' said Netra Pal Singh, a social activist.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)