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Heatwave Grips Patna: DM Issues High Alert, Multi-Level Action Plan

Patna is experiencing severe heatwave conditions with temperatures exceeding 40°C, prompting the District Magistrate to issue a high alert. DM Tyagarajan S.M. has directed 15 government departments to implement coordinated action under the Heatwave Action Plan. Vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, and the elderly have been identified for special care. The administration has established three-tier measures at administrative, hospital, and community levels to mitigate health risks.

Key Points: Patna Heatwave Alert: DM Tyagarajan Issues Action Plan

  • Temperatures cross 40°C in Patna
  • DM issues high alert under Heatwave Action Plan
  • 15 government departments on high alert
  • Vulnerable groups identified: children, elderly, pregnant women
  • Helpline '104' available for assistance
2 min read

Heatwave grips Patna; DM issues high alert, directs multi-level action

Patna DM Tyagarajan S.M. issues high alert as temperatures cross 40°C. Multi-level action plan targets vulnerable groups amid severe heatwave.

"Dry weather conditions and low humidity increase the likelihood of 'loo' (hot winds), significantly raising health risks - DM Tyagarajan S.M."

Patna, April 23

Bihar is reeling under severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures in Patna continuously crossing the 40 degree Celsius mark over the past several days, making life increasingly difficult for residents.

In response, District Magistrate (DM) Tyagarajan S.M. on Thursday issued directives under the Heatwave Action Plan, placing the district administration on high alert.

As many as 15 government departments have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure coordinated action to protect public health.

The administration has identified children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions as the most vulnerable groups requiring special care during the ongoing heatwave.

The DM noted that dry weather conditions and low humidity increase the likelihood of 'loo' (hot winds), significantly raising health risks.

He said that some of the common symptoms of heat exposure are excessive sweating, rapid breathing, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, extreme thirst, high fever, and fainting in severe cases.

The administration has initiated measures at three levels such as administrative level, medical college and district hospital level, and community level.

Patna Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer Lakhindra Prasad has been directed to sensitise all healthcare personnel about heatstroke symptoms, first aid measures, and emergency response protocols to ensure timely treatment.

He also said that all government hospitals -- from medical colleges to primary health centres -- have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of life-saving medicines for heatstroke treatment.

Separate data records must be maintained for all heatwave-related cases across healthcare facilities and immediate admission and treatment protocols have been mandated for severe cases.

Residents can seek assistance via the state health helpline '104', operated under the State Health Society in Patna.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of awareness, early detection, and preventive care to minimise risks.

The district administration has directed all concerned departments to implement these measures on priority to safeguard lives amid intensifying heatwave conditions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Those poor rickshaw pullers and street vendors 😔 They have no choice but to be out in this heat. I just bought a cold water bottle from one of them and he looked exhausted. The authorities should set up more drinking water kiosks and shaded rest areas, not just at hospitals but in busy markets too.
V
Vikram M
Every year same story—heatwave, then panic, then some measures. What about long-term solutions like planting more trees, reducing concrete jungle, and enforcing building norms for better ventilation? The DM's action plan is a good start but we need preventive infrastructure, not just emergency response.
R
Rohit P
My grandmother lives alone near Fraser Road. I hope the municipal staff actually visit and check on vulnerable people like the elderly. Last year during the heatwave, my aunt's neighbor collapsed because no one checked on her. The 'community level' action needs to be real, not just on paper.
K
Kavya N
Feeling for the street dogs and cows too 🥲 They suffer silently in this heat. The administration should also direct animal shelters and NGOs to set up water bowls in public places. Hope Patnaites show some compassion this summer.
S
Siddharth J
DM Tyagarajan is known for his efficiency—hope he ensures the medical colleges have enough ORS packets and IV fluids. In 2022, Patna's hospitals ran out of basic heatstroke medicines. Let's see if coordination between 15 departments works better this time.

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