LUCKNOW, Dec. 28 -- In view of the severe cold wave and dense fog, as many as 1,247 night shelters have been operationalised in the state, and 9,949 people have taken shelter there, a government spokesperson said on Saturday. District administrations have been instructed to ensure proper arrangements for cleanliness, hot water, lighting, and security at the night shelters. Night shelters, bonfires, and blanket distribution arrangements were underway in all districts, he added. Over the last three years, 10,65,889 blankets were bought for the poor. Around Rs. 44.38 crore was spent on this. So far, 3,78,884 blankets have been supplied to all districts, the spokesperson added. Meanwhile, a sum of Rs. 1.75 crore was given to districts for bonfires. The status of bonfires being lit daily in the districts is being regularly updated on a relief portal, ensuring monitoring at the government level. The government is also making extensive use of technology to prevent accidents caused by fog. The relief commissioner's office has issued 33.27 crore alert SMS messages so far through the Sachet app and web portal....