Blistering wind, soaring temperature, scorching heat with frequent power cuts and water crisis created a tough time this summer across Dhanbad and Bokaro districts. life has turned into a hell due to soaring mercury and poor power scenario; prolonged power cuts also hits the productions of several small industrial units.
People stayed indoors due to the sizzling condition though the mercury touched about 45 degrees Celsius in coal and steel belt. The blistering wind blowing for past few days makes everything worse across the city. It has not only caused discomfort to the residents but also leads to distress fully or partially among the animals and birds residing in and around the district. According to the reports heat wave claimed the life of dozens of animals including birds’ in the outskirts of the district.
Drinking water crisis hits the area, forced the residents to buy water at any cost to save their lives. Over 5 lakh residents of Chas (Bokaro) are battling for drinking water. The new hotcake is water - that has already begun to be sold at Rs 35 per gallon in several parts of the district. Needless to say there are many who have found new trade of selling water to the needy residents who have got no options but to buy water at higher costs.
Irked over the drinking water crisis hundreds of women of Santhaldih village rises up arms against the district administration. Equipped with bucket, pitchers and containers they blocked the National Highway – 32 near Birtand. Alleging for the alienated attitude of officials and MlA and ward members agitated women threatened for worst. There are 13 hand pumps installed in the village and 9 are defunct since past nine months, said Parvati Devi, an agitator. Vehicles were stand still for several hours, later after the intervention of police and administrative officials blocked was lifted-up after six hours. Villagers returned to their homes when the officials promised them to immediate solve the drinking water issue.