Parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh turned desolate after experiencing severe cold waves for the last few days. Adilabad region recorded the lowest temperature in the state in the last 48 hours at 6 degrees Celsius.
Adilabad is known for its thick green vegetation, rock formations and water bodies. Located in the northern part of the state, it shares border with Maharashtra and is home to a large number of tribal communities. The low temperatures have forced the district administration to take notice and change the school timings. On Wednesday, the district collector issued a circular to all the private and government school managements. The revised school timings are 9.40 am to 4.30 pm instead of 9.15 am to 4.15 pm.
“Non-compliance with this directive will be viewed seriously,” read the order. A few days back in the district the minimum temperatures plunged to 4 degrees Celcius. Locals have restricted themselves to indoors, avoiding streets in the mornings and evenings.
Farmers have also complained of difficulty in finding farm labour because of the plunging temperatures. Some of the mandals that are in the grip of cold waves include Bheempur and Bela mandals.
Not just Adilabad, the state’s capital is also witnessing cold conditions. Some of the areas dotting the city’s periphery have recorded low temperatures in the range of 6 to 8.5 degrees Celcius. At the Hyderabad Zoo, heaters have been installed to safeguard the animals from the extreme conditions. Netizens took to social media to share discomfort dealing with the cold wave.
The neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh also faced biting cold. Villages in Vizag and Godavari regions recorded the lowest temperatures. Known for forests and ghats, Chinthapalle region recorded 7 degrees Celsius. In the past, Chinthapalle recorded the lowest temperatures of less than 2 degrees Celsius. Chinthapalle is close to lambasting which is known as the Kashmir of the south as mild snowfall is experienced here every year during the winter. The region sees heavy tourist inflow during December and January as the towns here resemble hill stations.