Kerala Faces Severe Heatwave; Chief Minister Imposes Restrictions and Urges Public Caution
Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the intensifying heatwave across Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a high-level meeting to address the ongoing crisis and ensure public safety. The Chief Minister announced several measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme temperatures, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution as the state battles a period of intense heat.
Addressing the situation, the Chief Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy for public safety. Key initiatives include the establishment of temporary cooling shelters, known as “Janakiya Thanneer Panthal,” in busy areas such as markets, bus stands, and taxi/auto stands. These centers will provide drinking water and other essentials to the public. Local self-government bodies have been tasked with leading these efforts, with participation from Kudumbashree, cooperative societies, and voluntary organizations.
Regarding public infrastructure, the government has directed that public spaces be equipped with water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), and first-aid facilities for heatstroke. Traffic authorities are also considering adjusting signal timings in certain locations to reduce exposure times for commuters. Furthermore, strict regulations and bans will be placed on public events, selection trials, and outdoor cultural or sports programs during periods when heatwave warnings are in effect.
Water scarcity management is a priority, with the Water Authority and Irrigation Department ordered to take urgent steps to ensure water availability. A public campaign for rainwater harvesting will also be initiated. To improve preparedness, the government plans to establish weather monitoring systems in all local self-government institutions to track temperature, humidity, and rainfall at the ward level.
Educational institutions are also being upgraded; schools will see enhanced weather monitoring stations, and anganwadis will be transformed into “heat-resilient” buildings using cool-roof technology and improved ventilation.
Additionally, the Health Department has been instructed to establish specialized heat and burn clinics in selected hospitals. The government also issued warnings regarding wildlife, noting that reptiles may seek cooler areas, and emphasized precautions against amoebic meningoencephalitis by avoiding stagnant or unhygienic water sources. The Chief Minister has further empowered the Chief Secretary to make necessary decisions to respond to emergencies as they arise.