Jhansi sizzling at 45.6 degrees Celsius, Banda with 46.8 degree Celsius second hottest in state

Jhansi: The city is continuously sizzling with temperature soaring up day by day. On Sunday, Jhansi along with Orai in Bundelkhand region clocked 45.6 degrees Celsius, becoming the ninth hottest while Banda which clocked 46.8 degrees Celsius was the second hottest in the state.With 30.8 degrees Celsius, Jhansi had the maximum night temperature in the state.Agro-Meteorology scientist Aditya Singh has predicted that temperature may further soar and may reach to 47 degrees Celsius in the next couple of days. He further predicted that due to the influence of rising western disturbance, there may be a slight relief for a few days from Wednesday.In Jhansi, scorching heat is affecting the entire city, especially those who have to remain on road for the entire day with labourers being affected the most.Many of the contractors have shifted the work timings which starts as early as 5 in the morning and closes at 11 am.The situation is predicted to be more grim in coming days as the traditional ‘Nau Tapa’, the nine hottest days in Bundelkhand region, are to start from Monday. These days are considered the most notorious hottest days in the region.Adding to their woes, the rampant and long load shedding, especially during nights are leading to sleepless nights. People, from the marginal society who are living in small houses with minimum ventilation, in the old city area where power cuts are maximum are facing serious health issues. Despite strict measures by the local administration, the electricity department is not able to control the situation.Sunita Verma, who works as a peon in school and her husband a daily wager, says, “After daylong of work, the nights are becoming unbearable without electricity. My daughter fell sick twice which is affecting her studies. Our whole family is facing a lack of sleep and we are helpless”.Environmentalists are categorically pointing over rampant mining and felling of trees in the name of development as one of the major reasons for prevailing heat conditions making the region inching towards a heat island.