Patna : The District Magistrate (DM) of Patna, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, has directed district-level officials across various departments to ensure the safety of the public in anticipation of a severe heatwave. With rising temperatures expected to pose significant health risks, Dr. Singh emphasized the need for seamless inter-departmental coordination to manage the situation effectively.
Recognizing the vulnerability of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and outdoor workers, the DM has outlined detailed instructions for all key departments. The local unit of the India Meteorological Department has issued an advance heatwave warning, and the District Disaster Management Branch has been tasked with disseminating this information promptly through television, radio, print media, press releases, and SMS alerts.
Health services on high alert
Dr. Singh instructed the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that all primary health centres, referral hospitals, and medical colleges are equipped to handle heatstroke cases. Special isolation wards are to be prepared where necessary, with sufficient stock of ORS packets, IV fluids, and life-saving medicines. He also directed the formation of mobile medical teams to cover affected areas and called for widespread dissemination of information on heatwave prevention.
Ensuring water availability in urban and rural areas
The Urban Development and Housing Department has been asked to provide adequate drinking water facilities in public places and slum areas, alongside repairing damaged hand pumps on a priority basis. Similarly, the Public Health Engineering Department has been tasked with ensuring that faulty hand pumps are repaired urgently and water supply through tankers is arranged in areas experiencing scarcity.
Protecting vulnerable communities
The Education Department has been directed to provide drinking water and ORS in all schools and examination centres. Awareness materials on heatwave protection will be circulated to students through pamphlets and posters. Anganwadi centres will also ensure access to drinking water, with special care for newborns, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Safety measures for animals and environment
The Animal and Fisheries Resources Department will arrange for water sources near government tubewells to ensure that animals and birds have access to drinking water. Similarly, the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department has been instructed to provide water in wildlife parks and maintain cool conditions in animal enclosures.
Labour protection and workplace safety
The Labour Resources Department has been directed to ensure the availability of drinking water, ice packs, and shaded areas at construction sites and factories. Dr. Singh emphasized that working hours should be adjusted in accordance with heatwave protocols and called for awareness campaigns to educate workers on heatwave precautions.
Transport and emergency response
The Transport Department has been asked to ensure the availability of drinking water and ORS in public transport vehicles and to regulate vehicle operations as per heatwave guidelines. The Fire Department has been put on high alert, with instructions to respond swiftly to any fire incidents triggered by extreme heat.
Public awareness and vigilance
The Information and Public Relations Department will run campaigns to educate the public on measures to protect against heatwaves. Panchayati Raj institutions have been asked to spread awareness in villages and develop action plans for water conservation. The Tourism Department has been directed to provide water at tourist sites and issue advisories for visitor safety.
Emergency helplines and disaster response
Dr. Singh stressed that the district administration is fully prepared to manage the heatwave and urged the public to stay vigilant. Citizens can report emergencies by dialing 112/101 or contacting the District Emergency Operation Centre at 0612-2210118 or the 24/7 District Control Room at 0612-2219810/2219234.
