District-Level Heat Action Plans to Be Prepared Immediately: Durga Shakti Nagpal
Gonda: In view of the intense heatwave conditions prevailing across the Devipatan Division, Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal has directed all District Magistrates of the division to immediately prepare and implement district-level Heat Action Plans to safeguard public health and minimize heat-related risks.
The directions were issued during a review meeting held through video conferencing, where the Commissioner emphasized that heatwave has been officially categorized as a disaster by the state government. She instructed officials to ensure timely and effective arrangements to protect citizens from the severe impact of rising temperatures.
The Commissioner directed authorities to make adequate arrangements for clean drinking water at public places including markets, bus stands, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, schools, and other crowded areas. She also instructed officials to establish temporary water kiosks wherever necessary to provide relief to people during peak summer conditions.
Keeping children’s safety in mind, she advised district administrations to revise school timings as required so that students can avoid exposure to extreme heat and hot winds during daytime hours.
Durga Shakti Nagpal further stressed the need for a large-scale public awareness campaign regarding heatwave safety measures. She instructed officials to utilize print, electronic, and social media platforms to educate citizens about precautions such as avoiding unnecessary outdoor movement during afternoon hours and staying hydrated.
Special attention was also directed towards animal welfare during the summer season. The Commissioner instructed officials to ensure adequate fodder, clean drinking water, and shaded areas in cow shelters and other livestock facilities to protect animals from heat stress.
During the meeting, she also instructed district administrations to distribute benefits under at least two public welfare schemes during every “Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas.” Officials were asked to prepare rosters and intensify publicity campaigns so that eligible beneficiaries can register and avail themselves of government schemes.
The Commissioner emphasized regular monitoring of all heatwave-related arrangements and warned that negligence at any level would not be tolerated.
