Lucknow, Dec. 28 -- In view of the severe cold wave and dense fog prevailing in the state, the distribution of all blankets and quilts must be completed within the next three days, and it must be ensured that assistance reaches the genuinely needy, urban development and energy minister AK Sharma directed officials on Saturday. He was holding a review meeting via video conference from Varanasi with officers of all municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats of the state, a spokesperson said. The meeting was held to review the status of night shelters, bonfires, blanket distribution, Kanha Gaushalas, and other public welfare arrangements for protection from the cold, and to ensure more effective improvements in them. Clear signage must be installed at all major intersections, railway stations, bus stands, religious places, and other public locations to provide information about night shelters, he said. He said that if any person is found sleeping in the open, they should be immediately shifted to a night shelter and provided with proper arrangements for food, drinking water, blankets and cleanliness. Instructions were also given to mandatorily make arrangements for tarpaulin and bonfires in all Kanha and other Gaushalas to protect animals from the cold. Keeping the Magh Mela in view, the minister specifically directed that adequate and effective arrangements for night shelters and bonfires be ensured in the Mela area, so that devotees, Kalpvasis, and needy persons can get relief from the cold. The minister also directed that all night shelters be tied up with nearby hospitals and dispensaries. HTC...