Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, April 25 -
The Haryana Chief Secretary T.V.S.N. Prasad has directed all concerned departments to formulate schemes to make adequate arrangements for the women working at construction sites and brick kilns, especially their small children, labourers, and those working under MNREGA, in view of the upcoming heat wave.
The arrangements should be made while focusing on ensuring maximum relief for these vulnerable sections of society, said Prasad while chairing a comprehensive review meeting held here today with the Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries from all relevant departments, to discuss essential preparations for the impending heat wave. Notably, during the session, a representative from the Meteorological Department highlighted the likelihood of above-average temperatures in Haryana from May to June.
The Chief Secretary directed the Labor Department to formulate a plan specifically addressing the needs of labourers who work outdoors for extended periods. The plan should ensure maximum relief for these labourers, with a specific emphasis on including arrangements for their children.
The Chief Secretary assured the department that budgetary constraints won't hinder relief efforts. Funds from the Haryana Workers Welfare Board are readily available. The plan should include establishing dharamshalas, community centers, and crèches (childcare centers) to provide these labourers and their children with shelters from the heat. Public places should be well-equipped with adequate drinking water facilities.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Sudhir Rajpal said that the department plans to set up ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) corners at public locations with high foot traffic, such as bus terminals and railway stations, to ensure people have access to fluids for rehydration. Hospitals will have ample stocks of medication to treat and prevent heatstroke. He informed that additional funds have been allocated to all civil surgeons, granting them the flexibility to address heatwave-related emergencies as needed. Hospitals will designate beds in cooler areas to provide relief for those suffering from the heat, shared.
Giving details of measures to prevent and manage heat-related forest fires by the Haryana Forests and Environment Departments, Additional Chief Secretary, Anand Mohan Sharan, said the department has prioritised fire prevention by repairing the fire fighting systems in Morni and Kalesar, two potentially vulnerable areas. To ensure a prompt response, the department has designated two nodal officers specifically tasked with monitoring potential fire outbreaks.
Additional Chief Secretary, Energy and Public Health Department, A.K Singh said that the department is taking steps to provide sufficient availability of both power and water during the hot summer months. Alongside ensuring adequate supply, the department is also running a statewide energy conservation campaign.
Meanwhile, Commissioner and Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Pankaj Agarwal, said that the department has taken steps to ensure sufficient water reserves in water houses. Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Vikas Gupta said that the department has formulated plans to safeguard urban workers and their children from the harsh heat wave. The measures like creating shaded rest areas or establishing childcare facilities for working parents and water facilities at public places have been included in this plan. To ensure the optimum use of water during the summer, the department has imposed a complete ban on the wastage of water in terms of washing with fresh water in cities. This aims to conserve this vital resource for essential need, he said.
Commissioner and Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Amneet P. Kumar said that people will be made aware of heat protection through 26 Anganwadi workers. Commissioner and Secretary, Development and Panchayats Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, said the department has directed a change in working hours for MGNREGA workers (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). This will likely involve shifting work hours to cooler parts of the day.