"Feels like COVID lockdown": Intense heatwave leaves Khajuraho's UNESCO temples, roads deserted; businesses shut

Intense heatwave conditions have severely affected normal life and tourism in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Khajuraho, with Chandela-era temples, roads and markets wearing a deserted look as temperatures soared to nearly 46-47 degrees Celsius.

Intense heatwave conditions have severely affected normal life and tourism in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Khajuraho, with Chandela-era temples, roads and markets wearing a deserted look as temperatures soared to nearly 46-47 degrees Celsius. Khajuraho, known for its historic temples and steady inflow of domestic and international tourists, has witnessed a sharp decline in footfall due to extreme weather conditions. Several traders have reportedly shut their establishments due to the extreme weather, while restaurants and markets in the town have largely remained empty.

Roads that usually remain crowded with tourists and visitors were seen largely deserted, with only a few people stepping out due to necessity. Khajuraho recorded a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Thursday, intensifying concerns among residents and business owners alike. Locals compared the current situation to a lockdown-like atmosphere, saying the severe heat had brought normal activity in the town to a near standstill.

Speaking to ANI, local trader Rishi Tripathi said the heatwave had brought business activity to a standstill. "The temperature has risen significantly. Business has completely come to a halt, and you can see deserted roads. Who will come in such heat? There is a major problem for businesses. The situation resembles a lockdown. Temples will function only if tourists come," he said.

Meanwhile, the Khajuraho Municipal Council has made arrangements to provide relief to commuters, including drinking water and shaded areas at public intersections. Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) of Khajuraho Municipal Council, Basant Chaturvedi, urged people to avoid venturing out during the day and said red alert conditions were prevailing due to the heat.

"Yesterday, the temperature touched 47 degrees Celsius. Roads are completely empty. We appeal to people not to step out during the day. The municipality has made arrangements by placing water pots at major intersections," he said. Tourist Savita Jain compared the prevailing conditions to the COVID-19 lockdown period, saying the extreme heat had made stepping out difficult.

"The temperature here is around 47 degrees Celsius. It feels like a COVID-like situation. It is becoming very difficult to step out of the house," she told ANI. Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued Red and Orange alerts across multiple states due to temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several regions.

Speaking to ANI, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said heatwave conditions were likely to continue for at least another week across large parts of Northwest, Central and East India. "We anticipate that heatwave conditions will persist across parts of Northwest, Central, and most of East India for the next 6 to 7 days. We have issued an 'Orange Alert' for Punjab, Haryana, NCR-Delhi region, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha," Kumar said.

"We have also issued a 'Red Alert' for East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh and certain parts of Vidarbha for the next three days," he added. (ANI)