An ‘ambali’ (gruel) centre opposite Pragathi Bhavan on the Collectorate premises was opened on Monday under the aegis of all the BC Employees’ Unions to supply gruel to the visiting poor from villages on every grievance day.
Collector Yogitha Rana inaugurated the centre and appreciated the unions for their gesture. She also relished a tumbler of gruel and served it to the employees and others on the occasion. The union leaders said that this was the second year that they were launching the ‘ambali kendram’ at the Collectorate to serve the poor visitors during summer.
They said on every Monday, at least 1,000 people would be served gruel. “This is a small gesture from the employees as people who come here with their grievances in summer suffer a lot without food,” said Bussa Anjaneyulu, a leader of BC Employees’ Union.
Heat wave
Meanwhile, with the rising day temperatures, people are forced to remain indoors in the district. The district recorded the highest day temperature of 44 degree Celsius in the State on Sunday. This time last year, the day temperatures were not so high, says a retired employee, Durgaiah.
Roads wore a deserted look with most of the people preferring staying indoors. Autorikshaw drivers too preferred staying away from work, resulting in tough times for commuters. Most of the shopkeepers too are seen downing the shutters early.
The condition of heat wave is causing mirages on roads. Two wheeler users are taking all necessary precautions to protect themselves from the scorching heat. Parents heaved a sigh of relief as class X exams were over on Monday. Traffic cops, who normally have hard time, were seen under the trees. Road side outlets of tender coconuts, fruit juices, soft drinks and lassis are crowded with people. The poor who visit the town on various works are approaching chalivendrams opened by social service organisations to have cool drinking water. The situation is horrible in case of breakdown of power supply.
