Biting cold weather hits normal life in Chittoor

Tirupati: The district is experiencing sudden drop in temperature for the last one week. The temperatures have been hovering between 17 and 9 degrees Celsius. People are fearing to come out of their houses due to cold weather conditions.

In Tirumala and Arogyavaram near Madanapalle, the temperatures dipped to 9 degree Celsius in the last two days. The scientists are predicting that the temperature might further dip in the district especially in temple city in the next two days.

The drop-in temperatures are showing adverse impact on pilgrims visiting Tirumala. They are facing tough time to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara during the early hours. Due to extreme weather conditions, devotees are covering their bodies with woollen blankets and clothes.

The children and elderly persons are falling sick. Meanwhile, the TTD authorities have taken measures to provide hot water for devotees in rest houses and cottages. Even, woollen blankets for kept for devotees at rest houses and providing free medical treatment to sick pilgrims at Aswani Hospital. Sanitation workers are finding it difficult to perform their duties in the wee hours every day in temple city.

General Physician DR B Rupesh said that residents should wear woollen clothes in the early hours and during nights if they are going out and use warm water for bathing. Milk and newspaper distribution boys and night patrolling cops are having tough time. Speaking to The Hans India, Tirupati Regional Agricultural Research Station senior scientist Prathima said that temperatures are likely to dip further in temple city. 

By K Nethaji