Nagpur: With a severe heatwave sweeping across the district, the Nagpur administration has imposed restrictions on public activities during peak afternoon hours and directed institutions, industries, and hospitals to adopt emergency safety measures.
Restrictions on Coaching Classes and Public Events
Nagpur collector and chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Kumar Ashirwad, on Saturday announced that coaching classes will not be allowed between 11 am and 4:30 pm, while public events during the same period have also been prohibited. Under the directives, all coaching centres have been instructed to conduct classes only during morning and evening sessions. They have also been asked to provide adequate drinking water and implement heatstroke prevention measures for students.
Guidelines for Colleges and Educational Institutions
Colleges have been advised to avoid afternoon classes and examinations as far as possible. If exams are already scheduled, institutions must ensure availability of drinking water, ORS, and cooling arrangements inside the examination halls. The administration has emphasized that student safety is paramount and any negligence will attract strict action.
Measures for Industries and Construction Sites
The administration has also issued strict guidelines for industries, factories, mines, and construction sites. Employers have been directed to provide rest breaks to labourers engaged in work between 11 am and 4 pm and to avoid engaging workers in open outdoor areas during peak heat hours. If work cannot be suspended, shaded shelters, cooling arrangements, cold drinking water, and ORS must be provided at the worksites. Non-compliance will result in penalties under the Disaster Management Act.
Emergency Safety Measures for Hospitals
Hospitals have been directed to set up dedicated heatstroke treatment units and ensure adequate stock of medicines, IV fluids, and ORS. They are also required to conduct awareness campaigns on heatwave prevention among patients and visitors. The administration has urged residents to stay indoors during peak hours, stay hydrated, and report any heat-related emergencies to the control room.
These measures come as temperatures in Nagpur continue to soar above 45 degrees Celsius, with the Indian Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for the region. The district administration has also activated a 24/7 helpline for heatwave-related assistance.
