Patna shivers as temperature plummets

Scenes of empty roads, foggy weather, deserted parks and bonfires have been common in

Patna

for the last two weeks. City residents are struggling to stay warm, with the temperature set to drop further.

Over the past two weeks, the number of people going for morning walks in the city parks has declined sharply. Others have changed their jogging time. Most of them leaving their houses only after 8.30 am. Ajit Singh, a 28 year old businessman said, “I usually go for jogging at 5 am at Gandhi Maidan. But since last few days, I have stopped it due to the extreme cold.”

People are also shutting down their businesses by 7 pm and getting back home. Richa Agrawal, a boutique owner, said, “I changed the timing of my boutique last week due to fog and low temperature. Now, I open my shop after 11.30 am and close it by 6 pm. Earlier, I used to be there from 10 am to 9 pm. This has affected my business.

For most small shopkeepers and people living on the streets, a bonfire is their only relief. Many people at different places in the city can be seen sitting around the bonfires throughout the day. Sanjay Jha, a tea stall owner near Station Road, said, “This is the season for me to earn well and therefore I serve customers from morning till night even in this harsh weather. Bonfires are the only relief for me. Besides, customers also enjoy its warmth with my special masala tea.”