Lucknow: Chief secretary SP Goyal on Wednesday directed divisional commissioners and district magistrates to ensure that subsidised fertilisers are used exclusively for agricultural purposes. Amid complaints of fertiliser shortage, Goyal said that all chief development officers must conduct a daily review of fertiliser availability, supply and distribution.
He said that DMs must conduct weekly reviews and cross-verification in case any abnormal trends are found in fertiliser sales. He emphasised that strict action must be taken in cases of fertiliser diversion, hoarding and black-marketing.
Heatwave Preparedness
Reviewing the weather, the chief secretary said that strict compliance with the heatwave advisory based on temperature must be carried out. He directed that adequate arrangements for drinking water, shade and cooling points be made at public places as required. Additionally, ORS kits and essential medicines should be available in hospitals.
Special attention must be paid to electrical safety, along with extensive public awareness campaigns on ‘dos and don’ts’ regarding protection from heat stroke and heatwave.
Cow Shelters and Water Bodies
Goyal also instructed that clean drinking water, adequate shade, coolers and fans be ensured at cow shelters. Ponds and water bodies should be filled for animals and birds to cope with the heat.
These measures aim to address both agricultural input security and public health during the ongoing summer season.
