GVMC readies summer action plan with water kiosks, shelters

Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) will establish 198 Chalivendrams (water kiosks) and 52 green shelters across its 10 zones as part of its summer action plan. Drinking water and ORS packets will be provided to the public at these Chalivendrams. Voluntary organisations will be encouraged to set up additional kiosks and distribute buttermilk. Awareness on heatstroke prevention and first aid will also be created to help avoid life-threatening situations.GVMC additional commissioner P Nallanayya said as per the guidelines of the state disaster management authority, public awareness will be enhanced to tackle heatwaves and adopt precautionary measures during the summer. "With temperatures rising each year, elderly persons, children, and those with health issues have been advised not to venture outdoors unless necessary. GVMC officials have been directed to spread awareness in this regard. As part of these measures, duty timings for sanitation workers have been revised, with morning shifts from 5:30 am to 10:30 am and evening shifts from 3 pm to 6 pm," said Nallanayya.Zonal commissioners have been instructed to ensure that cool drinking water is provided to construction workers at worksites. The public will also be encouraged to place water bowls for birds and animals. Under the heatwave action plan, the GVMC commissioner will act as chairman, the additional commissioner (public health) will act as secretary, and other officials will serve as committee members.GVMC chief medical officer Dr ENV Naresh Kumar said ORS packets will also be supplied to voluntary organisations setting up the Chalivendrams. UCD project director BV Ramana urged organisations to create awareness on preventing the wastage of drinking water during the summer. Water supply wing superintending engineer Ch Yedukondalu said sufficient water is available in reservoirs until July and that more than 100 litres of drinking water per household is being supplied.