JHARSUGUDA: Residents of Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar, Belpahar, Bandhbahal and Banharpali continued to reel under heat wave condition as mercury rose to 43.6 degree Celsius on Friday.
The heat wave condition disrupted normal life in coal mine areas such as Lajkura, Samleshray, Lilari, BOCM and Lakhanpur Open Cast Project. The burning coal heaps in open cast mines of MCL are adding to the woes of the residents. Oppressive weather conditions during the day kept the people indoors and the roads in the district wore a deserted look.
Sources said peak temperature in coal mine areas is likely to be 2-3 degree Celsius higher than its neighbouring areas. Thermal power stations burn 1.5 lakh tonnes of coal per day resulting in rise of temperature in the district.
The district is also reeling under severe water and power crisis. Against the demand of 13.88 MLD water, the district is receiving only 4.94 MLD.
Officials of Lakhanpur and Ib Valley area of MCL have been asked to prepare a contingency plan for taking preventive steps in this regard.