Karimnagar district in the grip of heat wave

Eeda Madhukar Reddy

Karimnagar: Karimnagar district is in the grip of heat wave and mercury levels crossed 42 degree Celsius during the past two days in the district. In 2009, the highest day temperature was recorded at 44.2 degree Celsius. It is feared that the maximum day temperature may go beyond 45 degrees Celsius during this summer.

Thirty people reportedly died due to heat wave in the district during this month. Several others suffered dehydration and other tropical diseases. The effect of scorching sun is felt from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and people are not venturing out from their houses during day time. Farmers are already facing acute shortage of drinking water in several villages.

The condition of irrigation water in most of the villages is still worse. Due to rapid depletion of water in ponds and wells, grass and other plants have stopped growing. As they are not in a position to feed their cattle, farmers sell away their cattle to butcher houses or abattoirs.

To beat the heat of summer, people crave for tender coconuts, fruit juice and ice-creams. Last year, the business of these items rose up to Rs 200 cr and this may go up to Rs 250 cr this year, traders say.

The traders engaged in drinking water supply in Karimnagar and other towns are likely to do roaring business up to Rs 4 cr during the coming two months. The day temperature levels are seen at high levels in Industrial Area of Ramagundam and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) areas in Godavarikhani. The day temperatures recorded 43 degree Celsius at the places during the past two days.

Large scale excavation of coal by SCCL and granite stones by firms is one of the reasons for the increase in temperatures, environmentalists say. A They also condemn the blasting operations by the companies. A large number of trees are destroyed due to blastings, they said. Water levels in Manair Reservoir have come down drastically and the citizens of Karimagar are facing acute drinking water shortage.