Sambalpur: Burla City Overwhelmed by Heat Wave; Temperature Soars Above 43 Degrees, Humans and Stray Animals Struggling to Cope
Extreme Heat Grips Burla
Sambalpur: Burla is experiencing scorching temperatures above 43°C. After large roadside trees were cut down, there is barely any shade available. As a result, people walking outside are directly exposed to the blazing sun, making it feel like fire is raining from the sky. Moreover, the vast reservoir of the nearby Hirakud Dam is adding to the moisture in the air, causing intense humidity. This combination of heat and humidity is making life increasingly uncomfortable for residents.
City Life Slows Down
Due to these harsh conditions, local people are avoiding stepping outside. Although Burla is usually crowded because of Vimsar, the large medical college and hospital, the streets appear deserted after 11 AM. Only a few people, mostly those accompanying patients, are seen on the roads.
Stray Animals Seek Shelter
Interestingly, the stray animals that usually roam the streets are also disappearing. Cows are taking shelter in the nearby forests along the dam, while stray dogs are hiding under drains to escape the heat. Unfortunately, no arrangements for drinking water have been made for these animals. Neither the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) nor the Animal Husbandry Department has placed even a single water container in the city for them.
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Lack of Public Water Facilities
While water becomes a critical need in such heat, public water kiosks (jalachhatras) have been set up only at Jyotivihar Chowk and Atal Chowk. Elsewhere, people are forced to buy water and cold drinks to survive the heat.
Animal Welfare Largely Ignored
Despite the seasonal demand, there are no functional animal water tanks or government-supported shelters for summer relief in Burla. There is also no veterinary service available for animals suffering from heatstroke. This has caused concern among animal lovers.
Citizens Call for Action
The general public is urging the district administration to take immediate steps to address this crisis both for people and animals struggling in the extreme heat.
