Clay pitchers placed in govt depts in Hathras dist amid heatwave

Agra: With temperatures soaring across western UP, the Hathras district administration has directed all heads of govt departments to ensure uninterrupted availability of clean and cool drinking water for visitors, complainants and employees in offices across the district.District magistrate Atul Vats issued a written order instructing departmental heads to immediately arrange facilities such as water coolers, clay pitchers, and tanks in their offices and subordinate premises. Clay pitchers (matkas) have already been placed in several govt departments and at the collectorate to provide naturally cooled water, promoting indigenous and electricity-free methods of relief.Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that people visiting govt offices during the severe heat do not face inconvenience. The DM emphasised strict compliance, stating: “In view of the extreme heat and continuous increase in temperature, it is very important to make proper arrangements for clean and cool drinking water in every office for the convenience of the general public, complainants and employees.”The order further directed that drinking water systems must operate smoothly and be monitored regularly to avoid complaints. Departmental heads have been asked to ensure strict adherence across all subordinate offices.