Thick fog grips Tarn Taran, freezing temperatures stall daily life and livelihoods
Cold wave conditions deepen as labourers go jobless, farmers struggle for fodder and health risks rise amid poor visibility
Tarn Taran witnessed a sluggish, near-standstill day as dense fog blanketed the district, sharply lowering temperatures and disrupting daily life.
According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 7 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius, with a cloudy sky and northeasterly winds, which are likely to intensify the winter chill.
The impact was most severe on daily-wage labourers. Several construction workers who arrived in Tarn Taran in search of work returned empty-handed. “We are going back without earning anything today,” said Bikkar Singh of Bugha village, reflecting the hardship faced by the families dependent on daily wages.
In villages along the Beas river, fog remained thicker for longer durations, compounding difficulties for residents of the Mand area. Farmers struggled to carry out routine work, particularly collecting green fodder. Residents of Chamba Kalan village, including Dalbir Singh and Pargat Singh, said the fog failed to lift even by noon, making it difficult to feed livestock.
With the changing weather, health concerns are also rising. Dr Kuldeep Singh Chug noticed an increase in chest and respiratory complaints, especially among children and the elderly. “Cough, cold and sore throat cases rise sharply in such weather. Extreme cold also discourages patients from stepping out, so keeping the vulnerable groups indoors is essential,” he said.
The fog has also heightened safety risks. Davinder Sohal of Chabal said accident reports were emerging from multiple areas, particularly along the Amritsar-Harike National Highway, where non-functional streetlights have worsened visibility. Satendra Singh, manager of the Usman toll plaza, said the National Highways Authority of India has ordered the repair of damaged streetlights from Amritsar to Makhu, which are expected to become operational soon.
Meanwhile, farmers continue to face challenges. Shingara Singh of Sabra village said floods in riverine areas had already caused a shortage of dried fodder, and persistent fog has now led to a scarcity of green fodder as well.
As winter tightens its grip, the fog has not only chilled the air in Tarn Taran but also slowed livelihoods, strained the health system and underscored the vulnerability of those who depend on clear days for survival.
