TN govt’s comprehensive plan to combat heatwave and protect people, wildlife

CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu: Given the brewing heatwave conditions, the Government of Tamil Nadu has framed a comprehensive plan to protect people and wildlife from the extreme temperatures.

Chief Minister MK Stalin has also urged people to take precautionary measures. He also spoke about the measures of the state government to tackle the situation. He assured that additional measures will be in place for children, school students, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with co-morbidities as they are particularly vulnerable. Those working in open spaces and those travelling long distances should also remain cautious.

Drinking water points have also been set in over 1,000 locations across the state, including 299 bus terminals and 68 urban markets. Local bodies, too, have been instructed to ensure drinking water supply in bus terminals, markets, and other places. CM added, “OSR packets are to be distributed to the people.”

Primary health centres, community centres, and maternity hospitals have also been told to remain on standby.

In addition to that, directives have been issued to ensure that labourers working on construction sites can benefit from the drinking water supply. CM has also proposed changing working hours to avoid extreme temperatures for workers.

Similarly, the fire services have been instructed to prevent possible fires in the forest areas and stop the entry of unauthorised trekkers.