State govt announces restrictions, safety measures amid heatwave

T'puram: State govt will impose restrictions on public events, selection trials, daytime gatherings, cultural and sports activities and take steps to arrange water, ORS, first aid for sunstroke at public places and reduce waiting time at traffic signals whenever a heatwave warning is issued. At a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday, many short-and long-term mitigation steps were suggested.Vijayan said Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and Information Kerala Mission should set up a public messaging system for temperature and heatwave alerts. A decision was taken to consider the formation of weather monitoring systems with public participation at all LSGIs. A public campaign for rainwater harvesting should also be organized. The operational efficiency of KSDMA's Kavacham warning system must be ensured. Batteries, other technical aspects necessary for operating sirens should be regularly checked, he said."Info on temperature, rainfall, humidity and water levels should be collected at the ward level and displayed locally to promote weather literacy. Funding from SDRF will be considered for the purpose. KSDMA should take the lead in implementing the plan prepared for Wayanad in phase-I. It should take necessary steps to install rain gauges before monsoon. State executive committee should identify the funds required," he said."KSDMA and education department are preparing a plan to enhance the operation of weather instruments installed in schools. Continuous maintenance, data collection should be ensured at weather stations. KSDMA should take the lead in preparing and implementing a plan to install automatic instruments in high-risk areas," he added.Vijayan emphasized that health centre staff, LSG govt representatives, officials, service and trade unions and voluntary organisations must coordinate their actions. He added that temporary structures that give shade should be set up in markets and public areas. Collectors must consult police and take steps to reduce traffic signal durations where possible."Efforts must be made to establish a community system to provide drinking water and if possible buttermilk and watermelons. Kudumbashree, cooperative institutions, youth organizations, clubs and other service, voluntary and trade union organizations should collaborate to implement this at as many places as possible. LSGIs should lead the initiative," he said, adding that KWA, irrigation department must ensure drinking water availability by coordinating with local institutions.All anganwadis will be transformed into heat-resilient buildings using technologies, said Vijayan. "This will be done by ensuring cool roofs, ventilation. The project prepared by KSDMA and energy management centre will be implemented on a war footing in collaboration with W&CD and LSGIs. This will also be extended to necessary schools," he said.
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