GVMC rolls out measures to tackle summer heat

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) convened a review meeting on Wednesday to assess its Heat Wave Action Plan as temperatures soar across the city.

As part of the initiative, the civic body will install 198 water kiosks, known locally as Chalivendrams, and 52 green shelters for commuters across all 10 city zones. Sanitation workers’ duty hours have also been revised to 5.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer E.N.V. Naresh Kumar, project director (UCD) B.V. Ramana, Water Supply supervising engineer Yedukondalu, and other officials.

Additional Commissioner P. Nallanayya directed officials to create public awareness on heat wave precautions. “Elderly citizens, children, and those with health conditions should limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours,” he advised.

He added that, apart from the water kiosks and green shelters, GVMC will also distribute drinking water and ORS packets, and called on voluntary organisations to assist in setting up the kiosks.

Zonal Commissioners were asked to ensure water availability for construction workers at worksites and to encourage the public to place water bowls for birds and animals.

Water Supply supervising engineer Yedukondalu assured residents that reservoirs have sufficient water until July and that over 100 liters of drinking water are being supplied per household. Citizens were urged to use water responsibly during the summer months.