Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 05 2008:
Among the State capitals of the North East region, Imphal recorded the lowest temperature at 2.9 degree Celsius today.
According to reports from the Meteorological Department, Manipur usually experiences harsh winter days in the second half of December and early January.
In the past, the lowest temperature were recorded in December only, said Station Officer of Meteorological Department, K Meghachandra.
The lowest temperature recorded in 2008 at Imphal was on January 23.The minimum temperature recorded was 1.5 degree Celsius.
In the then preceding year (2007), the minimum temperature of 0.7 degree Celsius was recorded on January 19 .
Although, the minimum and maximum temperature recorded in Imphal during the last four days was 7.5 degree Celsius and 24.7 degree Celsius on Thursday, 6.4 and 24.3 on Friday, 3.5 and 24 on Saturday and 6 and 23.8 on Sunday, the minimum temperature dipped to 2.9 today which was the lowest in the whole North East region.
On the other hand, with the cold wave hitting the entire State, charcoal trade has become a lucrative business.
With power supply in the State at its meanest stage, meiphus (iron grate for burning charcoal) remain the only reliable source of heat in every household of Manipur.
As the demand for charcoal is rising day by day, charcoal traders, particularly women from hill districts who bring charcoal to Imphal are enjoying their trade to the hilt out of their chilly weather.
One charcoal dealer said that she sold over ten bags of charcoal this morning itself.
By evening, the day's sale would be about 30 bags at least, she said pointing out the great demand for charcoal these days.
Shops dealing in jackets, sweaters and other woollen clothes are also capitalising on the harsh winter climate.