NEW DELHI, May 22: The authorities in Banda in Uttar Pradesh have switched off traffic signals during the afternoon hours to allow “free flow” of traffic and the commuters are not forced to wait at the traffic signals under the scorching sun as the town was baking at nearly 48 degrees Celsius with a severe heat-wave is tightening its grip across Uttar Pradesh.
The move comes as Banda recorded 47.6°C on Thursday making it the hottest place in India, while temperatures in the district have remained above 45°C for almost a week. “Key reasons include direct sunlight due to proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, clear skies, plateau terrain with low soil moisture, drying rivers, deforestation, and mining,” meteorologist said.
Addl. SP (Banda district) Shivraj Prajapati says, “On one hand, traffic police personnel deployed for duty have been provided with umbrellas and scarves; on the other hand, with the comfort and convenience of commuters in mind, the district administration has constructed shelters at all major intersections and squares, offering a place of refuge during the scorching heat.”
“We have temporarily disabled the signal lights during the afternoon so that commuters do not have to remain stuck unnecessarily at red lights. This measure aims to minimise inconvenience for travellers. “Specifically, the signal has been set to ‘free flow’ mode (bypassing the red light cycle) exclusively during the peak hours of intense sunlight; during the morning and evening hours, the signals function according to their regular schedule.”
A severe heat-wave red alert was issued across UP for the next three days followed by an orange alert thereafter. The Lucknow Meteorological Centre has also warned of unusually warm nights in several parts of the state.
Residents in Banda were seen seeking relief from the relentless heat by drinking water and consuming sherbet at roadside stalls, while many blamed deforestation and illegal mining for worsening conditions in the district.
“It is scorching hot in Banda right now. It is a sort of ‘Agni Pariksha’ for Banda residents. I believe the reason for this rise in temperature is trees being cut down and illegal mining. Stone and sand mafia operate here,” local residents said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said heat-wave to severe heat-wave conditions were likely to persist across northwest, central and eastern India, as well as parts of peninsular India, over the next six to seven days.
According to the IMD, heat-wave conditions are likely in isolated areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh from May 22 to May 28, while severe heat-wave conditions are expected over eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh during the same period. The weather agency also warned that heat-wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between May 22 and May 28.
(Manas Dasgupta)