Sirsa boils at 47.4°C, power cuts deepen public misery

Sirsa recorded the highest temperature in Haryana this summer, touching a searing 47.4°C on Thursday, as the ongoing heatwave continued to batter the region for the fifth consecutive day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Sirsa has consistently topped the state’s temperature charts, with no immediate respite expected.

The relentless heat has been made worse by frequent power failures, leaving thousands of residents battling the scorching temperatures without electricity. The city’s fragile power infrastructure is under severe strain, with reports of burning transformers, snapped wires and unscheduled outages emerging from several localities.

“This heat is unbearable, and without electricity at night, it feels like torture,” said Harish Khurana, a local resident. Night-time power cuts, combined with hot winds and high humidity, have left residents restless and sleep-deprived.

In just the past week, Sirsa registered maximum temperatures of 45.8°C, 46.2°C, 46.4°C, and 46.6°C — culminating in Thursday’s peak of 47.4°C. IMD officials have warned that the extreme temperatures are likely to persist in the coming days.

A dangerous situation unfolded on Thursday in Gali Mochiyanwali of Nohria Bazaar, where a transformer caught fire due to overload. Locals promptly alerted the authorities, who extinguished the fire before it could spread. Power was restored after urgent repairs by electricity department officials.

Despite assurances of 24-hour electricity supply, residents say the situation on the ground is grim. “Even after calling for hours, no one picks up. We feel completely helpless,” said another frustrated citizen. With over 80,000 electricity consumers in the city, many complain that helplines go unanswered during critical hours.

In response to the scorching weather, people have changed their daily routines — venturing out only in the early mornings and avoiding the afternoon sun. The demand for cold drinks and water has soared, and several social and religious groups have stepped in, setting up free refreshment stalls at various locations to help the public cope with the heat.

Haryana Tribune