Little children of Anganwadi are shivering due to severe cold
Communication Assistant, Chhaurahi (Begusarai). Severe cold has affected life in Chhaurahi block area. Young children below four years of age studying in Anganwadi centers are facing the most trouble. There is only one complaint on the lips of the children shivering from the cold - DM Sir, I am feeling very cold, please give me leave for a few days.
On Saturday, around 11 am, the maximum temperature was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 11 degrees. At the same time, the icy westerly wind blowing at a speed of more than 10 kilometers per hour further increased the effect of cold. According to the Meteorological Department, due to entry of cold air from the upper atmosphere and westerly wind, a cold day like situation has been created.
Children are constantly shivering due to cold
During investigation, children were being fed food sitting under the open sky at Anganwadi center number 80. Servant Pinky Devi was asking the children and trying to feed them a full meal, but the children were constantly shivering due to cold.
Neither door, nor window, nor any arrangement to protect against cold. No funds have been made available for lighting bonfires or for any other type of rescue. Children tell that they do not feel like coming to the center in such cold and it would be better if food is delivered at home.
The situation at Anganwadi center number 127 is even more serious. This center is being operated in a thatched hut. Neither have their own building nor any alternative arrangement for rent. Even basic facilities like toilet and drinking water are not available here.
Children sitting barefoot were seen shivering from the cold
Children sitting barefoot on a carpet spread on the earthen ground were seen shivering from the cold. Servant Surekha Kumari was somehow busy feeding the children. These children coming from extremely poor families do not even have enough warm clothes.
The same situation was seen at Anganwadi center number 111. The children were sitting close to each other on carpets spread on the floor, so that they could get some relief from the cold. The icy wind at the door-operated center was piercing the children's bodies directly.
These circumstances have raised serious questions on the arrangements and administrative preparations of Anganwadi centres. It has now become extremely important to make arrangements for protection from cold in these centers built for malnourished and poor children.
According to the forecast issued by the Meteorological Department of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University for the next four days, there may be light clouds and westerly wind may blow at a speed of five kilometers per hour. Dense fog may persist till morning. The maximum temperature is likely to be 18 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is likely to be 12 degrees Celsius.