Naidu Directs Officials To Be More Vigilant Amidst Severe Heat Wave Conditions

Amaravati: In view of the severe and increasing temperatures and heat wave conditions prevailing across the state, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to be more vigilant and take immediate steps to protect people from the impact of extreme heat.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to identify the highest temperatures areas and continuously issue warnings and advisories to residents in those areas. He also directed local authorities to declare holidays in areas experiencing extreme heat, depending on the prevailing conditions.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the heat wave intensity has increased significantly due to severe El Niño conditions. Responding to this, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to provide relief to the public by ensuring the availability of drinking water, buttermilk, and ORS packets in crowded places and public gathering areas.

He instructed District Collectors to spread awareness about heat wave safety measures and ensure continuous dissemination of information through media and social media platforms. Stressing that protecting lives is the government's top priority, the Chief Minister urged people to take precautions while stepping outdoors during peak heat hours.

He advised elderly persons, pregnant women, children and those with health issues to avoid going outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM. The Chief Minister also directed District Collectors and mandal-level officials to remain fully prepared to handle emergency situations arising due to the extreme weather.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 1,349 heat shelters and cooling centers have been established in urban areas, while arrangements have been made at 446 traffic junctions to provide shade for motorists and police personnel. The Chief Minister also suggested providing water troughs and earthen pots for animals and birds suffering due to the heat.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water in rural and urban areas and instructed them to supply water through tankers wherever required. He also called for the establishment of emergency response centers in different parts of the state.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that during the severe El Niño year of 2015, the state recorded a peak temperature of 50.1°C, and this year too, temperatures have reached as high as 48°C under similar conditions. They further noted that temperatures have risen from 45°C to 48°C over the past three days.

Responding to this, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of increasing green cover across the state, noting that improved groundwater levels contribute to greenery and help mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures. He cited Annamayya district as an example, stating that it has recorded comparatively lower temperatures than other districts.

Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad and senior officials from various departments attended the review meeting.