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Similipal Freezes: 0°C Hits Tiger Haven
8 Jan
Summary
- Mercury dropped to 0°C in Similipal's Upper Barakamada region.
- Twenty-three Odisha districts recorded temperatures below 10°C.
- Wildlife acclimatizes, but animal sightings may drop in winter.
On Tuesday night, the mercury plummeted to a stark 0°C in Similipal Tiger Reserve's Upper Barakamada (UBK), a crucial area for tiger concentration. This chilling temperature occurred as 23 districts across Odisha remained under the grip of a severe winter, with readings below 10°C. The UBK region, known for its natural meadows and importance for wildlife, experienced this seasonal low, which is typical for December or January.
While tourists are restricted from the UBK region for conservation purposes, park officials ensure visitor comfort with warm clothing and campfires. Animals, accustomed to the conditions, adapt to the harsh winter, though they tend to retreat deeper into the forest earlier in the evening. This behavior can lead to a marginal drop in animal sightings for visitors.
Elsewhere in Odisha, Daringbadi in Kandhamal district also registered 0°C. The state experienced widespread cold, with residents staying indoors and using wood fires for warmth. Foggy conditions across villages and towns compounded the situation, causing difficulties for movement, particularly for motorists and leading to delayed openings of weekly markets.
