The desert state of Rajasthan is reeling under intense heat with day temperature hovering over 41 degree Celsius thus affecting normal life in the state.
The scorching heat and hot winds blowing through the day have disrupted people’s normal routine across the state, particularly in Sriganganagar, Churu, Barmer, Kota.
According to police and hospital sources, over two dozen people have died so far in the state due to the heat.
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However, unofficial sources say the toll has touched 32.
Roads during the day time have worn deserted look and local businesses have also been affected following the blistering heat.
“Sale at shops has come down by 50 per cent following the soaring heat. It is a curfew-like situation in markets where customers are seen only in evening hours,” Suresh Saini, president of M.I. Road Market Association said.
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Another businessman Shyam Sundar Sharma said the unbearable heat has affected trade in almost all markets as number of customers has gone down considerably.
Meanwhile, Met department here has predicted no respite from the severe heat in the next few days.
“Heat wave conditions are likely to remain the same during the next two-three days. After that, temperature may dip due to a Western Disturbance and change of winds from present South-Eastern to Northern,” S S Singh, Director of Met department said.
While, the state government has directed all the district collectors and local authorities to take necessary measures to provide relief to people from heat, a government official said.
“The government has asked local authorities to make appropriate arrangements for water, sheds especially for MGNREGA labourers, coolers in hospitals and regular health check up for workers, proper arrangements for better treatment and availability of medicines in hospitals,” he said.
“Timings of relief works being done under MGNREGA have also been changed in the state in the view of the intense heat. As per new timings, MGNREGA labourers will go on work in early morning and return before it’s too hot,” he said.
The temperature in the state is staying four to seven degree Celsius above normal.