Patna: As temperatures crossed 35°C in most parts of the state on Thursday, the state disaster management department (DMD) has stepped up heatwave preparedness, directing all districts to ensure drinking water availability, public shade and proper health services.Following a high-level review meeting, DMD secretary Chandrashekhar Singh, under the directives of joint secretary Mohd Nadeemul Gaffar Siddiqui, instructed officials to launch water conservation and groundwater recharge measures, particularly in vulnerable panchayats, through awareness campaigns, keeping falling groundwater levels in mind.Meanwhile, Patna district magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan S M directed district officials to prioritise the health and safety of children, women and the elderly during extreme heat conditions. He stressed interdepartmental coordination to implement the disaster management department’s standard operating procedures and ensure that early warnings from the India Meteorological Department are widely disseminated through the media to minimise disruption to daily life.The health department has been asked to set up isolation wards and ensure the availability of ORS, IV fluids and ambulances at all medical facilities. The urban development and public health engineering departments have been directed to repair hand pumps and deploy water tankers in water-scarce areas. Schools and anganwadi centres must ensure the supply of drinking water and sensitise students about heat protection during morning prayers to prevent heat-related illnesses.Animal resources and rural development departments have been instructed to dig pits near tube wells and ponds to provide drinking water for livestock and birds. The environment and forest department has been told to maintain cooling arrangements in wildlife parks and ensure adequate water in animal enclosures to prevent heat stress among wildlife.The labour and transport departments will regulate working hours for outdoor workers and ensure that public transport vehicles carry first-aid kits and drinking water. The energy department will ensure uninterrupted power supply, while the fire department will remain on high alert for heat-related incidents.Siddiqui also directed officials to expedite assessment and compensation for farmers affected by recent storms and families impacted by fire incidents. To ensure close monitoring, the DMD secretary will personally review water conservation efforts, and all districts have been asked to submit regular status reports for timely intervention.
