Andhra govt activates heat waves preparedness in urban local bodies

Amaravati, May 19 (PTI) The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday directed all urban local bodies to activate emergency heat wave preparedness measures and strengthen field-level response systems over the next seven days in response to rising heat wave forecasts.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) principal secretary S Suresh Kumar issued instructions to municipal commissioners, particularly in Central and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh districts to ensure protection of vulnerable populations.

He directed officials to extend uninterrupted civic services and prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities during the forecast period from May 20 to May 26.

“Amid forecasts of rising temperatures and extreme hot weather conditions across

Coastal Andhra Pradesh, the Andhra Pradesh government has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to activate emergency heat wave preparedness measures and strengthen field-level response systems over the next seven days,” an official release said.

As part of the preparations, ULBs have been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns through public announcements, social media, ward secretariats, municipal vehicles, local cable networks and electronic display boards.

Heat wave advisories, “Do’s and Don’ts”, and ward-wise alerts are to be disseminated extensively among people, the release said.

Likewise, Kumar directed the local bodies to establish adequate drinking water facilities at bus stations, markets, labour congregation points, hospitals, schools, Anna Canteens and other public places.

Similarly, he called for the setting up of temporary water kiosks, chalivendrams (voluntary drinking water facilities for public), tanker supply arrangements and cooling shelters on priority, especially in vulnerable and scarcity-prone areas.

Special focus has been placed on safeguarding sanitation workers, outdoor labourers, street vendors, homeless persons and elderly citizens through ward-level monitoring teams and coordinated support mechanisms with the Medical and Health Department, among other initiatives, the release added. PTI STH KH