Rs. 1 Crore Allocated to District Collectors for Heatwave Prevention

Thiruvananthapuram: A decision has been made to allocate Rs. 1 crore to district collectors for heatwave prevention activities. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding summer disaster mitigation. Issues such as drought, drinking water shortages, wildlife attacks, lightning, heat-related health problems, and fires must be given utmost attention. Heatwave preparedness meetings should be held at the district level.

The local heat action plan prepared by the Kozhikode district’s Moodadi Gramapanchayat serves as a model for all local self-government bodies. They are urged to prepare similar plans. A vigorous public awareness campaign should be conducted.

A special heat clinic should be established under the leadership of the health department, and all primary health centers must be equipped with the necessary facilities to provide first aid for sunstroke. Water pavilions should be set up at places where people are likely to spend more time, such as major markets and bus stands.

The Chief Minister emphasised that air circulation and the availability of drinking water should be ensured in examination halls. Existing water kiosks should be repaired, and additional kiosks should be installed if necessary. The quality of water must also be guaranteed. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to take steps to prevent saltwater intrusion and to protect agricultural crops.

Ministers K. Rajan, Roshy Augustine, K. Krishnankutty, Chief Secretary Dr. E. Jayathilak, District Collectors, Land Revenue Commissioner K. Jeevan Babu, and Disaster Management Authority Member Secretary Shekhar Kuriakose were among those who participated in the meeting.