As heatwave conditions intensify, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued an advisory to the States and Union Territories to protect vulnerable people staying in shelters under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).

In a communication dated April 30, the Ministry said temperatures had already risen sharply in many regions and were expected to worsen in the coming weeks.

The advisory was addressed to the Mission Directors of the DAY-NULM in States and Union Territories implementing the Shelter for Urban Homeless component.

The Ministry directed urban local bodies (ULBs) and shelter management agencies (SMAs) to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of shelter residents during extreme heat conditions.

The advisory called for adequate and regular supply of potable drinking water, clean water for bathing, and oral rehydration solution packets and salted drinks. Authorities were told to ensure that the shelters had functional fans, water dispensers, and other cooling facilities.

The advisory also suggested setting up water points, with access to cold water, for residents. To reduce health risks during summer, the Ministry directed local bodies to undertake fogging and sanitation measures to control mosquitoes and prevent vector-borne diseases.

The advisory stressed the need for prompt maintenance of ventilation systems, fans, drinking water supply, and other cooling systems to improve airflow. It also asked shelter authorities to conduct regular awareness sessions on heat safety, symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and hydration practices. It suggested distributing cooling supplies, such as wet towels and handheld fans, to residents.

As part of emergency preparedness measures, ULBs and SMAs were asked to form city-level rescue teams equipped with adequate personnel and vehicles. Helplines should also be activated to receive distress calls, the advisory said. The Ministry further directed that all shelters be geo-tagged, with their coordinates being displayed on various portals, to improve accessibility during emergencies.

The advisory called for training shelter staff to identify signs of heat-related illnesses and implement response protocols. They should be designated to monitor shelter conditions and enforce heatwave procedures, it said. 

The Ministry called for public awareness campaigns to inform people about shelter locations, rescue teams, helpline services, and other support systems available during heatwaves. It also urged coordination with hospitals, civil society organisations, community groups, and healthcare providers to strengthen response efforts.

In anticipation of increased demand during extreme weather conditions, the advisory asked States and local bodies to enhance shelter capacity and develop comprehensive emergency response plans, including provisions for medical facilities and specialised assistance where required.