Siliguri reeling under blistering heat

Prashant Acharya, EOI, Siliguri: Siliguri town and its surroundings are enduring almost unbearable hot weather conditions over the last few days besetting the townsfolk with myriad problems. The maximum temperature in the past few days has touched as high as 38 degree Celsius, says the weatherman.

Townspeople believe this year’s summer in Siliguri will beat all other previous summers in terms of scalding temperature. The scorching heat has forced many to remain indoors. Regular reports come in of people, especially from the hills, fainting due to the unbearable heat in places such as the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) stand and the PC Mittal Bus Terminus.

Bagdogra College 1st year student Pritam Chhetri said, “It is too hot and we do not have the energy to attend classes after commuting long distances in crowded buses.”

Pedestrian movements were also a lot below normal as most preferred the shade of their homes unless compelled to venture outside.

Sellers of cold drinks, ice-creams, fruit and sugarcane juice, tender coconut water and other cooling beverages are doing brisk business, thanks to the grinning sun overhead.

According to the North Bengal Meteorology Department, the maximum temperature today in Siliguri was 38 degrees Celsius.