In response to a sharp drop in temperatures and dense fog across multiple districts, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has placed the state on high alert. The directive, issued on Wednesday, comes in the wake of tragic weather-related incidents that claimed 25 lives and left 59 injured within a single day.
Directives Following Tragic Accidents and Cold Wave
The Chief Minister's urgent orders follow harrowing scenes of homeless people struggling against the biting cold and a series of severe road accidents. The most catastrophic of these was a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura on Tuesday morning. Occurring in dense fog, this accident alone resulted in 18 fatalities.
CM Yogi Adityanath issued stern warnings to senior administration and police officials against any negligence concerning public safety. He emphasized the need for foolproof security arrangements for traffic and ordered increased patrolling on expressways, with special attention to known accident black spots.
Comprehensive Traffic and Emergency Measures
The state government has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to combat the dangers posed by low visibility and cold conditions. Key instructions from the CM include:
- Deployment of special teams on heavy traffic routes.
- Ensuring 24x7 availability of cranes and ambulances for rapid response.
- Using loudspeakers at toll plazas to warn drivers about fog conditions.
- Implementing strict traffic management during poor visibility and taking action against overspeeding.
"The possibility of accidents increases due to fog," the CM stated, directing officials to ensure road lighting systems, reflectors, and emergency services are fully functional. He ordered the immediate identification and repair of dark spots on roads and mandated coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and State Highway officials to streamline safety systems.
Protection for the Homeless and Cattle
Beyond traffic management, the Chief Minister gave special directions for the protection of destitute people from the harsh cold. He mandated that no person should be found sleeping in the open. Officials have been directed to ensure all homeless individuals are taken to night shelters, where proper arrangements for heaters, bonfires, and blankets must be provided.
In a move that also considers animal welfare, instructions have been issued to ensure bonfires and other necessary arrangements are made in cow shelters to protect cattle from the cold wave.
The CM's alert underscores a proactive approach to a recurring seasonal challenge, aiming to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents of Uttar Pradesh during this severe weather period.
