UP government intensifies relief measures as mercury dips to 2 degree Celsius in many districts

LUCKNOW: As the temperature dipped to 2 degrees Celsius to some districts in the state, the state government went into an overdrive to arrange relief measures. According to a government spokesperson, over 1200 shelter homes have been set up and over 4.3 lakh blankets distributed so far.
A government spokesperson said CM Yogi Adityanath has directed to provide all possible help to the destitute and needy people. "Acting on his directions, 1,226 night shelters are being operated in all districts. A total of 4,30,589 blankets have distributed among the poor," he said. Besides, 16,076 bonfire arrangements have been made in rural and urban areas of every district.
Officials to inspect night shelters: CM
More than 1,220 night shelters with a capacity to accommodate around 30,000 people have been established while 14,043 places have been identified for lighting bonfires across the state. Bonfires are being lit at more than 12,600 public places every day,” he said. Meanwhile, on directions of the chief minister, all district magistrates and other senior officials from the administration are carrying out surprise inspections of night shelters to ensure that nobody is sleeping in the open and that the shelters have all necessary facilities.
Separate arrangements have been made for families at these night shelters. The official added that special precautions are being taken against the spread of Covid-19 through regular sanitisation. In addition to this, quilts, blankets, mattresses and pillows have also been arranged for. He said 16,380 blankets have been distributed in Hardoi, which is the maximum for any district. This is followed by 9,894 in Prayagraj and 7,065 in Varanasi. Data from districts shows that as of Friday night, there were 1,029 people staying in night shelters in Kanpur City, 1,962 in Lucknow and 660 in Bareilly. A total of 916 night shelters have been set up in Varanasi, 893 in Ghaziabad, 840 in Kasganj and 748 in Gautam Budh Nagar. Arrangements for bonfires have been made at 724 places in Lucknow.lu