UP offers Rs 50,000 to kin of cold victims

The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 to the family members of those who have been killed due to the cold wave in the state, which has claimed over 124 lives so far.

Also Read Cold wave continues in Bihar Fog hits services in Delhi

The payment would be made after verification from district officials that the victim had indeed died due to the cold wave, Revenue Minister Ambika Chaudhry said in a press release in Lucknow.

He said district commissioners and magistrates have been ordered to distribute blankets among the poor and homeless and arrange for public bonfires.

The state is under the grip of an intense cold wave with temperature in many parts dropping below 10 degree Celsius. Meteorological Department officials have predicted further fall in the temperature.