New Delhi, May 1
Amid rising heatwaves in the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday asked states in the northern, central and western parts to take immediate pre-emptive measures to prevent heat-related deaths.
Measures must be taken to help “the vulnerable people especially economically weaker sections, outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and the homeless, who are at risk due to the lack of adequate shelter and resources,†said the Commission.
In a letter to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, the NHRC asked to provide the vulnerable with “shelters, supply of relief materialsâ€.
As per NCRB data, 3,798 deaths were reported between 2018 to 2022 due to heat and sun strokes.
The Commission emphasised the urgent need for integrated and inclusive measures, including “amending working hours and to opt standard procedures for treating heat-related illnessesâ€.
To mitigate the impacts of heat waves NDMA guidelines suggests activating public spaces such as schools, anganwadi centres, and community halls with adequate ventilation, fans, drinking water, and basic medical supplies.
It also calls for supply of fans, cool roof materials, and ORS sachets to families in informal settlements and labour colonies; and to provide shaded rest zones, hydration support, and encourage the use of protective clothing.
The Commision has asked the States to submit action-taken reports to protect the lives of those vulnerable to heat waves.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday that several regions of India will witness above-normal temperatures and an increased number of heatwave days during May.
The heatwave days will likely prolong up to "four days -- in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal,†IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in a media report.
In the wake of this, the Ministry of Health has issued advisory urging people to “protect from the heatâ€.
In a post on social media platform X, it suggested people to avoid getting out in the sun between 12 noon and 3 pm; and not to undertake any strenuous activity outside in the afternoon.
The Ministry also advised people to ventilate their homes properly; avoid eating stale food, alcohol, tea, or coffee; and not to leave pets or children in parked vehicles.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some action! Every summer we see the same tragedy - daily wage workers collapsing on roads. State governments should have acted proactively instead of waiting for NHRC notice. Hope they implement proper cooling centers and water kiosks in labor colonies. 🇮🇳
Good initiative but implementation is key. Last year in my city, the promised drinking water facilities at construction sites never materialized. Need strict monitoring and public reporting of what measures are actually taken. Also corporations should be fined for violating afternoon work bans.
Why only 11 states? Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also face extreme heat. This selective approach won't help. We need a national heat action plan with uniform guidelines. The rich have ACs but what about auto drivers, street vendors and farmers? 😓
Municipal corporations should convert bus stops into shaded cooling zones with water dispensers during summer. Simple solutions like white-painting roofs in slums can make a huge difference. Our RWAs have started this in Delhi - government should scale it up!
The advisory to avoid sun between 12-3pm is impractical for millions who must work outdoors to feed their families. Instead of just warnings, provide compensation for lost wages during peak heat hours. Corporate India must also adjust work timings for delivery staff and security guards.
We need more awareness about heat strokes in rural areas. Many villagers still believe it's just "garmi" and don't recognize symptoms. Anganwadi workers should be trained to educate communities about ORS and early warning signs. Stay safe everyone! ðŸ™
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