Water Bell system in schools, buttermilk outlets in public: CM Naidu discusses plans to tackle summer
He emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent water shortages during the summer
By Newsmeter Network
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Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to implement the āWater Bellā system in schools, to ensure the availability of drinking water for students.
The CM directed officials to ensure that no region in the State faces a drinking water crisis. He emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent water shortages during the summer.
The chief minister held a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday to assess the summer action plan with officials from Disaster Management, Panchayati Raj, Municipal and Health departments.
Hydration centres in public places to tackle summer heat
The chief minister instructed Disaster Management officials to gather information on rising temperatures ahead of time to alert the public. He stressed the need to alert people in affected areas, ensuring they take necessary precautions. By implementing preventive measures, heatwave-related deaths can be avoided, he stated.
The chief minister said that the government will establish hydration centres, including buttermilk distribution centres, in markets, bus stands, labour hubs and other crowded areas. He also directed officials to support voluntary organisations setting up such centres. Recalling the initiative from 2014-19, where the government provided free buttermilk, he ordered similar arrangements in heat-prone regions this year as well.
Govt to build 12,138 water ponds in villages
Special measures will be taken in drought-prone areas like Rayalaseema and Prakasam district, where livestock face drinking water shortages. The government will construct 12,138 water ponds across villages at a cost of Rs 35 crore to ensure adequate water supply for cattle.
Additionally, arrangements should be made to provide water for animals and birds to prevent dehydration during the summer.
Checking for forest fires using drones
CM Chandrababu Naidu underlined the need for heightened vigilance against forest fires, directing officials to monitor incidents using drones. He ordered strict action against those found responsible for fires. Authorities should remain cautious, particularly in industries prone to fire hazards, he said.
Limiting hours for NREGA workers from 6 am to 11 am
To address water shortages in municipalities, the CM said he approved Rs 39 crore in funds. He instructed officials to increase water availability by constructing farm ponds under NREGA and desilting reservoirs.
To support NREGA workers during the summer, additional workdays will be provided. Adequate drinking water and other facilities must be ensured at work sites. Furthermore, working hours should be limited from 6 am to 11 am so that labourers can return home before extreme heat sets in.
ORS packets for workers and public
To prevent heatstroke among workers, travellers and the general public, the government will distribute ORS packets. Municipal workers should not be assigned outdoor tasks between 12 pm and 4 pm.
Medical preparedness for heatwave cases
All hospitals must have sufficient beds, doctors and facilities to treat heatstroke cases. The CM also ordered mosquito control measures in agency areas to prevent disease outbreaks in remote regions.
