Oppressive heat has Jalgaon sweating

Jalgaon, May 2 (UNI) ''Do not come to Jalgaon this summer, the heat is oppressive.'' This is the letter which Jalgaonkars have despatched to their relatives elsewhere, warning them of the severe heat in the district.

Jalgaon has seen the mercury touch 45 degrees celsius while Bhusawal has already recorded 46 degrees.

People complete their marketing before 10:00 hours in Jalgaon but the streets wear a deserted look thereafter as the smouldering heat forces the people to stay indoors in a self-imposed curfew. The odd few who dare to venture out, do so after covering themselves well from head to foot. It is the handkerchief sellers who are smiling.

The special handkerchiefs, called the ''bagayatdar'' handkerchiefs are selling like hot cakes. The cold drinks and juice centres are also flourishing.

The people get some relief only after midnight when the atmosphere becomes cooler.

Fortunately for the city, there is no water shortage. Jalgaon had recorded 180 per cent rains last season owing to which the water table has risen and, besides, the reservoirs too have adquate water store.

There have been four deaths due to sunstroke -- two of them in Bhusawal and other two in the rural parts of the district. In view of the scorching summer, the general hospital here has opened an independent ward to deal with summer-related diseases, civil surgeon Dr C Patil told UNI.

In neighbouring Dhule district also, the mercury has touched a high of 43 degrees celsius thus far.

UNI