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Severe Cold Wave Grips Bundelkhand, Triggers Orange Alert and School Closures

An intense cold wave with dense fog has severely impacted the Bundelkhand region across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, leading to an IMD orange alert. The conditions have disrupted road and rail traffic, forced school closures, and tragically claimed one life in Chhatarpur. Agriculture officials warn that the freezing temperatures pose a significant threat to standing wheat and pulse crops. Local administrations are responding by arranging community bonfires, distributing blankets, and advising farmers to use protective measures.

Key Points: Cold Wave in Bundelkhand: Orange Alert, Disruptions, and Crop Risk

  • Orange alert for severe cold
  • School holidays and timing changes
  • Visibility drops to 50 meters
  • Risk to standing wheat and pulse crops
2 min read

Severe cold wave grips Bundelkhand; orange alert issued

Dense fog and severe cold disrupt life in Bundelkhand. Orange alert issued, schools closed, crops at risk, and one death reported. Stay updated.

"Khajuraho had visibility up to 50 meters only, - weather experts"

Bhopal/Chhatarpur, Jan 5 An intense cold wave has tightened its hold over the entire Bundelkhand region, affecting districts in both Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.

Dense fog and biting northerly winds have made daily life difficult for residents, while low visibility has disrupted road and rail traffic. As many as nineteen district administrations have declared holidays in schools, while the rest of the districts have changed the timing of opening.

The Chhatarpur local administration has also directed municipal bodies and gram panchayats to arrange community bonfires at key public places, including canal intersections and busy crossings, to provide relief to homeless persons, night travellers, and labourers.

The local Meteorological Department (IMD) office at Bhopal has issued an orange alert for all Bundelkhand districts for the next 48 hours, warning of persisting severe cold conditions.

Districts under the alert include Chhatarpur, Datia, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Panna in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Mahoba and Banda in Uttar Pradesh.

Visibility has dropped significantly during morning and night hours, posing risks to commuters and causing delays in transportation. "Khajuraho had visibility up to 50 meters only," weather experts said.

Tragically, the harsh weather claimed one life on Sunday when a person succumbed to the extreme cold at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Inter-State Bus Stand in Chhatarpur. However, local administration has not confirmed if the person died of intense cold.

Meteorologists attribute the ongoing spell to cold winds blowing from northern India, which are likely to continue for the next few days.

Agriculture expert and departmental officials warned that the freezing temperatures could damage standing crops, particularly wheat and pulses. The department has advised farmers to light small bonfires along field boundaries at night to create a protective layer of smoke and warmth, minimising frost damage.

Rural areas are witnessing the worst impact, with dense fog affecting both humans and livestock. Cattle herders report difficulties in grazing, while residents struggle with routine outdoor chores.

Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, stay indoors during peak cold hours, and report any persons in distress. Relief measures, including the distribution of blankets in some areas, are being coordinated by district administrations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
My family is from near Tikamgarh. My parents say the wheat crop is the main worry now. The advisory for farmers to light bonfires is crucial, but many small farmers can't afford the extra fuel. Hope the state govt provides some support for that. The cold is truly punishing this year.
D
David E
The visibility dropping to 50 meters in Khajuraho is alarming. I hope tourists planning to visit the temples are being advised properly. Rail and road disruptions in this region can strand people for hours. Travel advisories should be prominently displayed.
A
Anjali F
While the community bonfire initiative is praiseworthy, it feels like a reactive measure. Our cities and towns need better long-term planning for extreme weather - proper night shelters, warming centers, and contingency funds that are released without delay. This happens every winter.
K
Karthik V
The impact on livestock is often overlooked. If cattle herders can't graze, it affects milk production and their livelihood. The district administrations should also arrange for fodder in such severe conditions. Jai Kisaan.
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Priyanka N
Stay safe, everyone in Bundelkhand! Please listen to the advisories and avoid early morning travel if possible. Hope the orange alert leads to swift action on the ground. The idea of bonfires at canal intersections is very thoughtful for those who have to be out.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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