Residents of Sikar city are grappling with the harsh consequences of the severe cold wave that has hit Fatehpur district in Rajasthan. The mercury plunged below freezing point, recording a chilling minimum temperature of -1.7 degrees on Thursday, as reported by the Fatehpur Agricultural Research Centre. This unprecedented cold has taken a toll on Fatehpur and its surrounding areas.
For the first time this season, the temperature dropped to -1.7°C, leaving a layer of ice on crops and grass in the outer regions of Sikar. In response, locals have resorted to bonfires and bundled up in warm clothing to combat the bone-chilling weather. The Meteorological Department warns that the cold may intensify in the upcoming days, heightening concerns for residents.
Widespread Impact Across North Bharat
The severe cold is not confined to Fatehpur alone; it has also cast its icy grip on various parts of North Bharat. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana are all experiencing the brunt of this unforgiving cold snap. In Bihar’s East Champaran district, tragedy struck when a sixth-grade student lost his life during a school prayer session due to the absence of warm clothing.
Delhi, Bharat’s capital, witnessed its coldest day this winter on Tuesday, with the minimum temperature plummeting to 5.3°C. The plight of the homeless in the city was evident, with many seeking refuge in government-run night shelters. These shelters aim to provide a haven for those living on the streets, offering blankets, beds, hot water, and food to those in need.
Impact on Power Demand and Transportation
The extreme cold in Delhi has resulted in an unprecedented peak winter power demand, reaching an all-time high of 5,611 MW on Wednesday. Homeless individuals huddled in night shelters have contributed to this surge in demand, highlighting the challenges faced by the city during the winter season.
The transportation sector is also grappling with delays and disruptions. Foggy conditions have led to 24 trains expected to arrive late in Delhi on Thursday. Several trains, including the Katihar-Amritsar Express, Azamgarh-Delhi Junction Kaifiyat Express, Kamakhya-Delhi Junction Brahmputra Mail, and Seoni-Ferozpur Express, are running behind schedule by approximately 4 hours. Additionally, other trains such as the Bhubneshwar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Secunderabad-Nizamuddin, Chennai-New Delhi GT, and Manikpur-Nizamuddin Express are likely to be delayed by around 2.15 hours. The Ajmer-Katra Pooja Express is facing a significant delay of 6 hours.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the persistence of fog during the morning hours is expected to continue in isolated pockets of northwest India for the next three to four days, further impacting transportation and daily life in the region.
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