With heat wave sweeping across north India, maximum temperature in Dehradun is still hovering between 30 and 40 degree Celsius, said reports.
With things continuing this way over the past one week or so, the people of Doon Valley see no hope of immediate relief from the searing heat. Few days ago the maximum temperature in the State capital soared to 40 degree Celsius. But on Thursday, it dipped to 35 degree Celsius, offering some relief. Along with this, many cases of forest fires were reported in May.
“The sudden rise in temperature in the past few days has compelled us to stay indoors most of the time,” said college student Preeti Sinha. “We prefer to complete our work by early morning or evening if possible when the temperature dips,” she added.
However, those who sell ice creams and cold drinks are doing brisk trade with the mercury soaring up. “We sell cold drinks and ice creams under a tree. We do not feel the pinch of things as the trade remains good when it is hot,” said a vendor Narendra Singh who sells lime juices and ice cream at roadside. Another vendor Yogesh Pal said that the rise in temperature boosts sale of ice cream and cold drinks. “As a matter of fact, the
higher the temperature, the higher is the volume of our sale,” he added.
Sushila Mehta, a resident of Vijay Park, said the construction work in her house was being affected due to rising mercury. “The labourers are not turning up,” she said. “It becomes difficult to drive due to this sweltering heat. I have suffered from sun- burns and my skin develops problems,” said Pankaj Kumar, a salesman based in the city. “Waiting for city buses at the bus stands is proving difficult during the day with the hot winds burning flesh,” said College student Vishaka.
“Stepping out in the sun without protection is bad. Everyone should use umbrella as a shield against the
scorching sun,” said housewife Rashi Aggarwal.
“People should avoid cutting trees as they provide shelter and relief to the vendors as well as to the people waiting for public transport,” said Ashish Sharma, a student.
“In the contemporary scenario, people of all age groups, especially the minors, opt for energy drinks, supposing that they provide energy to the body. It is true that they provide a boost of energy to fight the heat due to high sugar and caffeine content in them. However, most of them are unaware of the fact that such drinks affect the body negatively,” said Doon Hospital dietitian Richa Kukreti.
“As an alternative, home - made drinks should be preferred. A glass of water with two/three tablespoon sugar, salt, cumin seed powder and lime juice will provide enough of energy to our system,” she suggested. “Curd, coconut water and regular intake of approximately 3-4 liters of water aside from proper diet with fruits will help us brave the heat,” she added.