In a proactive move to combat the blistering heatwave gripping the state, the Yogi Adityanath government has prepared a comprehensive action plan to protect people from its severity and also provide relief during emergencies. Under this, the appointment of nodal officers has been mandated at the state, district, and municipal levels. Additionally, stringent measures include monitoring of heatwaves at district and civic level through video conferencing.
With a view to safeguarding citizens from the sweltering temperatures, the action plan will be implemented effectively by following the instructions received from the Government of India. Instructions have been given by the Urban Development Department for implementation of the action plan on priority basis for the management of heatwave as well as the diseases and ill-effects arising from it.
As per the instructions, wide publicity should be done regarding do’s and don’ts during the heatwave and warnings should be issued through mobile messages/WhatsApp regarding its ill-effects.
Additionally, proper arrangements should be made for ORS packets at health and Anganwadi centres.
The instructions also include changes in the working hours of schools, labourers and workers, and guidelines for preventing deaths due to sunstroke.
It has also been mandated to designate temples, community halls, and malls as cooling centres. Arrangements for water and buttermilk should be made at public places by NGOs, community groups and individuals. Adequate shelter arrangements will be ensured in urban bodies to protect people from heat.
In addition to this, all necessary measures to ease the impact of heatwave should be widely disseminated among the public in extreme temperature conditions. A public awareness campaign should also be conducted regarding prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses. Weather forecasts and temperature will be displayed at busy places.
Furthermore, special campaigns for water supply will be conducted by urban bodies to keep all water pumps in working condition and to repair and restart those which are not working. Repairing of pipelines supplying water from main pipelines to residential areas will be done to ensure clean water supply.
Additionally, chlorination will be carried out periodically for water purification. Samples of water will be collected at user-end points regularly for bacteriological and virological testing to monitor the quality of drinking water.
In areas where drinking water supply is from hand pumps, distribution of chlorine tablets in appropriate quantities will be done as required. In areas affected by drinking water scarcity, water supply will be arranged through tankers.
Inspection of sewer lines and water pipelines will be conducted in urban areas, and any breakage or leakage found in sewer or water pipelines will be promptly repaired.
Until the leakage is fixed, alternative arrangements will be made to ensure safe drinking water supply in the affected area. Additionally, appropriate veterinary medicines and provision of drinking water will be ensured for animals at shelter locations.
The instructions also include arrangements for shade and drinking water at bus stations and terminals. Provision of drinking water will be ensured for pilgrims at temples and other religious places.
Areas like cities, hamlets, and slums expected to be most affected by heatwave will be identified, and arrangements for drinking water made there.
Additionally, proper shade will be arranged in open parks. Water will be sprinkled on the streets regularly.
Appropriate planning should be prepared for the construction of new buildings in urban areas. Construction work for green buildings will be carried out while adhering to environmental and building codes.
