Anand Sharma to distribute blankets in relief camps of Muzaffarnagar

The Commerce and Industry Ministry has directed its public sector units to distribute blankets in the northern region of the country, including in the riot relief camps of Muzaffarnagar, which are reeling under severe cold.

"5,000 blankets are being sent to the riot relief camps of Muzaffarnagar," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said in a statement.

He has given directions to the ministry's Public Sector Undertakings for distribution of blankets for the poor and old people in the northern region due to severe winter spell in this part of the country.

Snowfall in the hilly areas of northern India has kept the region in the grip of the winter chill.

On December 30, Delhi recorded the lowest minimum temperature in a decade for the month of December as mercury dipped to a chilling 2.4 degrees.

A high-level official panel had stated that 4,783 displaced people were still living in relief camps for riot-hit victims in Muzaffarnagar where at least 34 children below 12 years had died allegedly due to cold waves.