Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Alert issued in Uttarakhand after heatwave

Dehra Dun, Apr 20 A general alert was today issued in Uttarakhand in view of rising temperatures that may cause rapid forest fires, government sources said.

Raging fires had engulfed the forests of Lansdown division yesterday, destroying greenery and posing a danger to the wild animals.

The forests in Garhwal and Kumaon regions are also under threat as a strong wind is blowing in these areas.

The forest officials said they are bracing up for any eventuality in the wake of threats of more forest fires.

"We are taking contingency steps in this regard,"a forest department spokesman said.

Meanwhile, most of the cities, including Capital Dehra Dun, reeled under intense heat conditions today as temperature soared to 40.1 degree C in the Doon valley.

The temperature was 7 degrees above normal, which forced the people to remain indoors during the afternoon." This is due to the strong winds coming from Rajasthan area,"Met Director Anand Sharma said.

The temperature is also rising in the hills including Mussoorie and Nainital where people have been forced to use fans. Though tourists are rushing to these areas, but can hardly find any change in the temperature compared to the plains.

On a positive note, Sharma said there was a remote chance of light showers at isolated places in the Garhwal region tomorrow which might give some relief to the people.

PTI

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