Centre Releases Guidelines to Tackle Increasing Temperatures
With India struggling to deal with the issue of increasing temperatures, the central government has released a series of guidelines to assist states and citizens in preparing for the upcoming heatwave. The guidelines, which are designed to curb the effects of increasing temperatures, call for preventive measures to avoid heat-related diseases and fatalities.
Increasing Temperatures: A Growing Concern
India has been witnessing a consistent escalation of temperatures in recent years, with the mercury levels frequently recording new highs during summers. The rising temperatures have led to a sharp increase in heat-related illnesses, with weaker segments of society, including the aged, children, and field workers, being the hardest hit.
Key Guidelines Issued by the Centre
In order to tackle the increasing heat, the central government has laid down the following directions:
Implementation of Heat Action Plans: The states have been instructed to create heat action plans, which would encompass steps like mapping heat-prone zones, organizing heat relief camps, and undertaking public awareness programs.
Public Awareness Campaigns: The states have been required to conduct public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the dangers of heat-related illnesses and what can be done to avoid them.
Heat Relief Centers: States have been instructed to establish heat relief centers in urban and rural localities, which would offer shelter, water, and medical assistance to the victims of heat.
Medical Preparedness: States were requested to make sure that hospitals and healthcare facilities are ready to face heat-related emergencies, with proper stocks of medication and medical supplies.
Protection of Outdoor Workers: States have been requested to take steps to safeguard outdoor workers, for instance, by keeping them in the shade, giving them water and frequent breaks.
State Governments to Play a Key Role
The federal government has stressed the importance of state governments taking an active role in the implementation of the guidelines and making the people ready to combat the implications of increasing temperature. The states have been directed to go through their heat action plans and modify them as the need arises, to ensure that they are ready to meet the challenges of the coming summer season.
With these guidelines, the central government has made an important step in addressing the effects of increased temperatures on citizens. It is now the turn of state governments and citizens to join hands to ensure that the guidelines are followed to the letter and that everyone is ready to withstand the challenges of the coming summer seasons.