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Kerala Prepares for Heatwaves: New Public Safety Measures Unveiled
26 Apr
Summary
- Government to impose restrictions during heatwave warnings.
- Public messaging system for temperature and heatwave alerts planned.
- Anganwadis and schools to be transformed into heat-resilient buildings.
The Kerala government is set to implement significant restrictions on public events and daytime gatherings in anticipation of heatwave warnings. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a meeting on Saturday to outline both short-term and long-term strategies for public safety. These include measures such as providing water, ORS, and first aid at public places, and reducing waiting times at traffic signals.
A new public messaging system for temperature and heatwave alerts is planned, to be developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and Information Kerala Mission. The state also plans to explore the formation of weather monitoring systems involving public participation at all Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs). A campaign for rainwater harvesting will be organized, and the efficiency of KSDMA's Kavacham warning system will be enhanced.
To improve weather literacy, data on temperature, rainfall, humidity, and water levels will be collected at the ward level and displayed locally. KSDMA will lead initiatives in Wayanad for phase-I and ensure the installation of rain gauges before the monsoon. Plans are also underway with the education department to improve the operation of weather instruments in schools, with a focus on continuous maintenance and data collection.
In addition to these measures, temporary shaded structures will be set up in markets and public areas. Collectors are directed to coordinate with police to reduce traffic signal durations. Efforts will be made to establish community systems for providing drinking water and possibly buttermilk and watermelons, with LSGIs leading these initiatives in collaboration with various organizations.
Furthermore, all anganwadis, and potentially some schools, will be transformed into heat-resilient buildings. This project, led by KSDMA and the energy management centre, will involve ensuring cool roofs and ventilation, and will be implemented on a war footing in conjunction with the Women and Child Development department and LSGIs.
