Vizag steps up heatwave preparedness, control room to be set up

Amid prevailing heatwave conditions in the district, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Thursday directed officials of all departments to coordinate closely for effective implementation of the Summer Action Plan aimed at protecting the public.

During a teleconference with officials, the Collector advised residents to avoid going outdoors during peak afternoon hours unless necessary. He instructed departments to intensify awareness campaigns on precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Officials of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and Mandal Parishad Development Offices were directed to ensure adequate drinking water supply at chalivendrams across the district. The Collector also sought better coordination in running buttermilk distribution centres managed by voluntary organisations.

Mr. Kishore instructed officials to ensure safety measures for labourers working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and at construction sites. “Shade and drinking water facilities at workplaces should be mandatory. Workers should be given relief from duties between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Special precautions must be taken during emergency work,” he said.

The Collector also ordered the establishment of a special control room at the Collectorate for immediate public assistance during heatwave conditions. The District Medical and Health Officer was directed to keep dedicated beds ready for heatstroke patients at Urban Primary Health Centres and Primary Health Centres. Special attention should be paid to pregnant women and senior citizens, he said.

Ketan Garg said sheds had been set up at 25 major junctions in the city, and 25 water tankers had been kept ready. He added that chalivendrams were operational in all 98 wards under the supervision of Assistant Engineers.

District Programme Manager Govind said that while 33 sunstroke cases had been reported in the district, no fatalities had occurred so far, and the situation remained under control.