Telangana rolls out heatwave action plan; schools to implement water bells, cooling centres set up

Telangana has announced a comprehensive heatwave action plan, mandating water bells in schools and reduced Anganwadi hours, while designating malls and public buildings as cooling centres. Authorities have also issued an Orange Alert with temperatures expected up to 44°C.

Hyderabad: As Telangana prepare for heatwave, all schools have been instructed to implement ‘water bells’ and malls, religious places and public buildings have been designated as ‘cooling centres’ for the general public seeking reprieve from the hot sun.

It is now mandatory for schools to provide ‘water bells’, with breaks to ensure the students are well hydrated. Schools have also been asked not to hold open-air classes, which will ensure children do not come in direct contact with sun. The Aanganwadi centers across Hyderabad and State will now operate only until 11 am

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Malls and shops have been instructed by the State government to keep cold water at their premises, while religious places, government buildings, and panchayat offices have been designated as cooling centres, where the public can go and rest during the heat wave. It has also been decided to install green shades at traffic junctions and public gatherings.

Health Minister, Damodar Raja Narasimha issued a comprehensive set of instructions to District Collectors to mitigate the risks of heatwave. Beyond students and the general public, special focus is on ‘gig economy workers, with specific outreach planned for auto-drivers, cab drivers, and delivery workers who are at high risk during peak afternoon hours.

All the government hospitals should have a dedicated heatstroke team in the emergency area to begin treatment immediately upon a patient’s arrival. The Minister has also directed the electricity department to frame a summer-specific power load plan to ensure uninterrupted electricity to hospitals and water supply units, while the Fire Department conducts audits of chemical godowns to prevent heat-induced fires.

The Telangana State Development Planning Society (TGDPS) will now provide Mandal-level, two-day forecasts focusing on the Heat Index, which is a combination of temperature and humidity, and to be shared directly to local nodal officers.

Authorities have warned of an ‘Orange Alert’ condition already prevailing in several districts, with May and early June expected to see sustained maximum temperatures between 41 degree Celsius and 44 degree Celsius.

Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities between 12 noon and 3 pm and utilize the newly established ‘Chalivendrams’ (drinking water kiosks) being set up across urban and rural congregation points, authorities urged.

• Malls, public buildings and religious places to serve water and cooling centers
• Mandatory water bells in schools and avoid open-air classes
• Aanganwadi centres to be shut down by 11 am
• Shift schedule of outdoor workers from 12 noon to 3 pm during heart wave alert
• Fire department to conduct security check at commercial complexes and hospitals
• Shaded areas and cool water tubs for animals in urban and rural areas
• Veterinary services to treat heat stress animals