Bhopal: The state capital is braving biting cold for last three to four days. The sudden dip in the temperature has severely disrupted the normal life keeping people indoors. But for those living their lives on streets and pavements, winter is always harsh and unforgiving.
Public ‘raen baseras (night shelters) for homeless and destitute in city giving refuge to escape the freezing chill have left a lot to be desired. A number of people including women and children and specially oldies could be seen spending night under the open sky in freezing cold. Ragged blanket, tattered woollens and thin sheet are what they have to survive the cold windy winters.
In a bid to help the citizens to brave the biting cold, BMC though have arranged bonfires at public places like hospitals, railway stations, bus stands, markets and prominent squares. Even residents and NGOs have come forward donating blankets, sheets, sweaters to warm the needy, however, the intense cold conditions have beaten their efforts.
BMC deputy commissioner Harish Gupta said, the civic body has arranged for bonfire at public places. “We regularly monitor Raen-Baseras to ensure that people get good care there Last time, divisional commissioner and collector had made surprise inspections at raen baseras. On the regular basis, bonfires have been arranged at public places to give relief to people from chill.”
Sharp fall in temperature is forcing the people to remain indoors and this has affected the normal and business activities in the state capital. Poor visibility has also affected the traffic movement in the city. Weatherman said that cold wave may continue to batter the state for next couple of days.
