Mercury soars in Kothagudem

Kothagudem (Khammam): The town has reeled under scorching heat on Monday as temperature above 45 degree Celsius was recorded. People were facing several problems on account of high temperatures in the district. The frequent power cuts further compounded the problem.

The roads in the district wore a deserted look as people are not venturing out during day time. The people were staying under the trees to get a respite from the simmering heat.

Even though the Electricity is produced at Kothagudem Thermal Power Station (KTPS) at Palvancha and raw material coal is also produced in Singareni Collieries in the district, there was no relief to the residents of the town. The Thermal power station and coal mining are also attributed as factors for the high temperatures in the town.

The district officials informed that maximum temperature of 49 degree Celsius was recorded near open cast coal mines. Singareni Collieries workers alleged that the company officials are not taking any precautionary steps to safeguard workers from heatwave. They demanded the provision of butter milk, cool water, AC rooms and makeshift tents at the mines.