Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, May 15 : In order to mitigate the impact of extreme heat wave during pre-heat season, the education department in Srinagar will ensure that schools do not run during pick hours (12- 4pm), when heat wave is declared and that the shelter space must be identified with drinking water and ORS facilities, according to the Srinagar heat wave action plan 2024-2025.
According to the heat wave action plan, prepared by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Srinagar under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bilal Mohi-Din Bhat, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, a copy of which also lies with the news agency, a multi-pronged approach will be put in place to combat the challenges posed by rising temperatures, with India Meteorological Department (IMD), entrusted with issuing heat wave alerts and weather forecasts, coordination between various departments to ensure timely dissemination of critical information.
Under the heat wave action plan prepared by the district disaster management authority (DDMA) Srinagar, for mitigation of heat wave, MCD, PWD, I&FC, & Traffic Police have been given the responsibility of to construct Shelters/ Sheds, Bus Stands with cool roof, identification of areas to provide shelters and drinking water during heat alert period and to provide drinking water at major landmarks, chowks in the cites & project sites.
According to the heat wave plan, transport department in Srinagar has been asked to display posters and distribute pamphlets on prevention of heat wave related illness and to ensure availability of adequate bus shelters with drinking facilities, directing PHE department to ensure proper arrangement of drinking water at bus queue shelters.
Recognizing the impact on livestock, for animal husbandry department, the DDMA plan defines that the department should display posters and distribute pamphlets on the precautionary measures to be taken to safeguard cattle and poultry birds during heat period in villages and important junctions.
The plan calls to ensure adequate stock of medicine in all veterinary hospitals and to ensure visits of field staff during heat wave to villages for follow up action in treatment of cattle and poultry birds, with directions to PHE, to ensure proper arrangement of drinking water at bus queue shelters.
According to the heat wave action plan, ‘red alert’ (severe condition) will be triggered when the maximum temperature exceeds the normal temperature by at least 6 degrees Celsius. An ‘orange alert’ (Moderate Condition) will be issued if the maximum temperature is four to five degrees Celsius above normal, while a ‘yellow alert’ (Heat-Wave Warning) will be given for a departure from nearby normal temperature.
