Dense Fog, Drizzle make Uttar Pradesh Chilly

Lucknow, Jan 16 (IANS) Dense fog and a light drizzle in many parts of Uttar Pradesh added to the cold wave in the state Friday.

The Met Office has said the weather conditions were unlikely to improve in the coming few days.

Over two dozen trains were delayed. Officials said the situation will improve once the fog retreats. The air traffic was also hit due to poor visibility and the flights to New Delhi and Mumbai were delayed by some hours Thursday.

Rainfall was recorded in some eastern parts of the state leading to a steady fall of the mercury. Reports from various districts said eight people had died to the cold wave, though the state government said it did not have specific data on the same.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has asked the state's forest corporation to light up bonfires in 30 districts.

"All efforts are being made to ensure that the poor, homeless and the destitute face no problems due to the cold. Other than bonfires at public places, the government has distributed blankets and has ensured shelter homes in all districts," a state spokesman told IANS.

Lucknow District Magistrate Raj Shekhar said schools which were ordered to reopen after the weather improved earlier this week, will be asked to shut down again if the inclement weather continued. Sources said schools till Class 8 are likely to be closed from Friday.