Visakhapatnam Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Thursday directed officials of various departments to work in coordination to effectively implement the ‘Summer Action Plan’ to protect people from the prevailing heatwave conditions in the district.

Addressing a teleconference with officials, the Collector urged people to avoid venturing outdoors during peak afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary. He instructed officials to undertake extensive public awareness campaigns on the precautionary measures to be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Mr. Kishore also directed officials of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and Mandal Parishad Development Officers to ensure adequate drinking water supply at ‘chalivendrams’ set up across the district. He called for better coordination in the management of buttermilk distribution centres run by private voluntary organisations.

The Collector further instructed officials to ensure adequate protection for labourers engaged in works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and at construction sites. He said: “Arrangements for shade and drinking water at workplaces should be mandatory, and workers should be given relief from duties between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Special precautions should be taken in cases of unavoidable emergency work.”

The Collector also directed officials to establish a special control room at the Collectorate for prompt public assistance. The District Medical and Health Officer was instructed to keep special beds ready for heatstroke patients in Urban Primary Health Centres and Primary Health Centres. Mr. Kishore emphasised the need for special attention to the health of pregnant women and senior citizens.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg informed that sheds had been arranged at 25 major junctions in the city, and 25 water tankers had been kept ready. He further added that ‘chalivendrams’ were functioning in all 98 wards under the supervision of Assistant Engineers.

District Programme Manager Govind said: “No loss of life had been reported so far. Though 33 cases of sunstroke were recorded in the district, the situation remained under control.”