Bureau, 19 January 2025 – G. Udayagiri, known as the "Darjeeling of Odisha," is reeling under an intense cold wave. The mercury has been steadily dropping, bringing with it biting cold conditions that are making life challenging for the residents.
This year, the sudden plunge in temperatures has left everyone struggling to cope with the severe cold. The poor, elderly, and vulnerable populations are finding the conditions particularly unbearable. As evening falls, the cold intensifies, leaving the town's markets deserted as people prefer to stay indoors for safety.
Despite the harsh weather, tourists from across the state, country, and even abroad are flocking to Udayagiri to enjoy the winter chill. They are visiting various hill stations to witness the sunrise and sunset, capturing the natural beauty on their mobile phones.
As dusk sets in, small fires can be seen in different corners of the town, with people gathering around to keep warm. Tea stalls also become popular spots, with locals huddling around for warmth and a hot cup of tea. However, the number of morning and evening walkers has significantly reduced due to the biting cold.
The Agriculture Science Advisory Center has warned that temperatures are expected to drop further in the coming days. Over the past two days, the town's temperature has dropped from 5 degrees Celsius to 4.8 degrees Celsius.
