As temperatures soar across the state, the government has issued a heat wave alert to all related agencies, including Municipal Corporations, District Disaster Management units, the Health Department, Police, Forest Department, and Education Department. The alert, issued by Under Secretary Sanjeev Rane, instructs each department to take timely and necessary precautions to reduce the impact of the heatwave.
On Tuesday (April 8), Nashik city recorded a scorching 41°C, the highest temperature of the season so far, leaving citizens struggling to cope with the intense heat.
Municipal and Disaster Management Measures:
Urban and rural local bodies including Municipal Corporations, municipalities, and city councils have been directed to implement public safety measures such as:
Creating awareness about heatstroke prevention.
Ensuring the availability of drinking water at public places.
Setting up emergency health camps if needed.
Health Department Instructions:
Keep first-aid kits ready at hospitals and health centers.
Raise public awareness about symptoms and treatment of heatstroke.
Increase medical staff availability to handle possible emergencies.
Forest Department Guidelines:
Regularly fill water in natural and artificial ponds for wildlife and birds.
Increase patrolling and surveillance to prevent wildfires.
Focus on early detection and quick response to any forest fire incidents.
Education Department Directions:
Adjust school and college timings according to weather warnings.
Ensure classrooms remain cool and students have access to clean drinking water.
Avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.
Consider giving heat-related holidays if required.
Conduct exams in the morning sessions only.
Provide buttermilk, ORS, and syrup to students under the mid-day meal scheme.
The government has urged all departments to act swiftly and responsibly to minimize the health risks posed by the ongoing heatwave and to ensure public safety until temperatures normalize.