Following the death of 11 persons and numerous others becoming unwell due to high heat during an award ceremony in an open venue in Navi Mumbai, District Collector Vipin Itankar declared on Monday the necessity for a heat wave death audit in accordance with official policy.
Similar to Covid cases, private health facilities are asked to provide the government with records and statistics on affected people. Itankar has encouraged residents to avoid going out between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., and to drink more water. Concerned departments, including the police, are asked to be cautious while giving permits for morchas, dharnas, and meetings between 2 and 4 p.m.
Educational institutions have been asked to raise student knowledge of heatwave measures, change class and examination schedules based on weather conditions, and proclaim appropriate holidays.
The District Administration has produced a heat wave action plan, which has been praised by the government, and nodal officers have already been hired. Heatwave wards have been established at the Government Medical College and Hospital and the Mayo Hospital.
The medication and supplies needed for heatwave treatment have been tested and are ready for any emergency. Dr Deepak Selukar, District Health Officer (DHO), claimed that primary health care centres, rural hospitals, and sub-centres have been notified and are prepared with cold rooms and medicines.
If the patients require additional assistance, they will be directed to government hospitals. The Collector’s instructions also encourage civic organisations to keep parks, gardens, and other similar spaces open for people to rest in the afternoon.
Authorities in charge of bus and train stations have been urged to keep fans turned on. During the heatwave, the people are advised to cooperate and be worried about their personal safety.