Thiruvananthapuram, April 25 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to assess the ongoing heatwave situation and announced a series of statewide measures aimed at mitigating its impact and ensuring public safety.
During the virtual meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the availability of essential facilities such as drinking water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), and first aid for sunstroke at public locations, including markets and bus stands. Temporary shade structures will also be set up in crowded areas.
Authorities have been instructed to coordinate efforts across departments, with the involvement of health workers, local body representatives, service and trade unions, and voluntary organisations to implement relief measures effectively.
District Collectors have been asked to work with police and traffic departments to reduce public exposure to extreme heat, including adjusting traffic signal durations where feasible.
Strict restrictions will be imposed during heatwave alerts, including bans on daytime public events, temple festivals, sports activities, and cultural programs. Water distribution points will be established at key public locations such as roadsides, junctions, and transport hubs.
Community-driven initiatives involving Kudumbashree groups, cooperative societies, youth organisations, and local bodies will provide drinking water, buttermilk, and fruits like watermelon to the public.
The Kerala Water Authority and the Irrigation Department have been directed to ensure adequate drinking water supply, while a public campaign promoting rainwater harvesting will also be launched.
The government plans to introduce community-based weather monitoring systems across local self-government institutions to track temperature, rainfall, humidity, and water levels. A pilot project in Wayanad district will be implemented immediately under the supervision of the State Disaster Management Authority.
The state’s warning system, “Kavacham,” will be strengthened to ensure timely alerts, including the proper functioning of sirens and technical infrastructure.
The Health Department has been tasked with establishing permanent Heat and Burn Clinics in selected hospitals and upgrading anganwadis into heat-resilient buildings using improved ventilation and cooling technologies. Similar upgrades may be extended to schools.
Local self-government institutions have been directed to prepare Heat Action Plans and long-term mitigation strategies, supported by the State Disaster Mitigation Fund.
The Kerala State Electricity Board has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly in view of rising demand for cooling appliances. Authorities will also promote energy-efficient systems and renewable energy use.
With drought-like conditions emerging, additional measures will be taken to ensure water availability across the state, supported by district disaster management funds.
Officials also warned of increased encounters with reptiles, including snakes, as they seek cooler environments. The Health Department will ensure availability of anti-venom and expand treatment facilities, while the Forest Department will strengthen snake rescue services.
Public advisories have also been issued regarding the risk of amoebic meningitis, urging people to avoid bathing in contaminated or stagnant water and to maintain proper hygiene and water storage practices.
The Chief Minister further directed the development of a targeted alert messaging system to inform residents in vulnerable areas about heatwave risks.
Senior ministers, top bureaucrats, police officials, and district authorities participated in the meeting, with the Chief Secretary entrusted to take decisions and implement emergency measures as needed. (ANI)
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