Heat wave throws life out of gear in Braj

With the temperature hovering over 45 degrees Celsius for the past few days, the Braj Mandal is under intense heat wave, with dust-filled hot winds adding to the discomfort of the common man.

Normal life has been thrown out of gear in the region and government hospitals have reported a surge in the number of people suffering from heat stroke, dehydration and complaining of upset stomach.

"The streets are deserted since morning. Only after 6.00 p.m. would people would venture out for a 'darshan' at the temples," said Madhu Mangal Shukla, a Vrindavan panda.

In Mathura, there was a concern over the dry Yamuna bed, ahead of the Ganga Dussehra festival on May 28 when lakhs of people will take a holy dip in the river.

"Some water has been released by the state government from the Okhla barrage and we are hopeful the ghats will have enough water for the ritualistic bath on Thursday morning," said Jugal Kishore, the Vishram Ghat panda.

In Firozabad, the rise in temperature on Tuesday forced people to stay indoors. Glass factories running on natural gas have had to cut down on production as workers were unavailable.

"The state roadways bus stands are deserted and the nights have become unbearable as the hot winds continue to blow during entire night," said Ram Deen, an industrial worker.

In Agra, the erratic power supply and water scarcity have brought people on the streets. Over 50 percent villages of the district are facing acute water shortage and there is power shortage of over 14 hours daily.

As transmission lines on the Agra-Firozabad road are being shifted, there have been long power cuts in the city.

On Monday, the Agra city recorded 46.1 degrees celsius. Tuesday appeared worse, with the weather department forecasting no early respite from the heat.

People fear the temperature could in the days to come break the May 27, 1998, record when 48-plus degrees Celsius was recorded in the Taj city.