The Pune district administration on Wednesday issued a comprehensive heatwave advisory, directing industries, factories, and organizers of public events to ensure the availability of drinking water, shaded rest areas, fans, and electrolyte beverages for workers and visitors. The advisory comes as temperatures continued to remain high across the district.
Temperature Records
On Wednesday, Lohegaon recorded a maximum temperature of 41.4°C, followed by Shivajinagar and Koregaon Park at 39°C, Chinchwad at 37.9°C, and Lavale at 37.2°C. These readings underscore the severity of the heatwave conditions affecting the region.
Multi-Sectoral Guidelines Issued
The multi-sectoral guidelines, issued by district collector and district disaster management authority chairperson Jitendra Dudi, aim to protect laborers, outdoor workers, and vulnerable groups from the impact of severe heatwave conditions expected over the coming months. The guidelines follow directions from the state government and seasonal forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Key Directives for Workplaces
The advisory states that labor-intensive work should be rescheduled to avoid peak afternoon heat hours. Industries and contractors have been directed to reduce work intensity where necessary and ensure access to adequate drinking water, shaded rest areas, and cooling facilities. Employers are also required to keep emergency supplies, such as ice packs and heat-resistant material, readily available and conduct regular health check-ups for workers in coordination with the health department.
Factory and mine managements have been instructed to provide mandatory rest breaks during the hottest parts of the day, organize workers in two-person buddy systems, and supply electrolyte-enriched beverages. The advisory also stresses educating workers about symptoms of heat-related illnesses and preventive measures.
Focus on Vulnerable Workers
Special emphasis has been placed on construction workers, brick kiln laborers, daily wage earners, and workers in the unorganized sector. Authorities have been asked to conduct awareness drives through posters, banners, and outreach programs at labor congregation points, including Shramik Chowks.
Guidelines for Public Events
For gram sabhas, religious gatherings, and cultural processions during summer, the administration has directed organizers to deploy health personnel and ensure medical aid facilities are available on site. Authorities have also been told to examine if timings of such events can be shifted from peak afternoon hours to reduce heat exposure.
These measures are part of a proactive approach to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat, ensuring the safety and well-being of the district's residents and workforce.
