Bhopal/Chhatarpur, Jan 5 || An intense cold wave has tightened its hold over the entire Bundelkhand region, affecting districts in both Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
Dense fog and biting northerly winds have made daily life difficult for residents, while low visibility has disrupted road and rail traffic. As many as nineteen district administrations have declared holidays in schools, while the rest of the districts have changed the timing of opening.
The Chhatarpur local administration has also directed municipal bodies and gram panchayats to arrange community bonfires at key public places, including canal intersections and busy crossings, to provide relief to homeless persons, night travellers, and labourers.
The local Meteorological Department (IMD) office at Bhopal has issued an orange alert for all Bundelkhand districts for the next 48 hours, warning of persisting severe cold conditions.