Vijayawada: In response to a heatwave warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati Meteorological Centre, effective until May 24 in Andhra Pradesh, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has mandated the closure of all public places and open parks from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The directive aims to restrict public movement during peak daytime temperatures, safeguarding vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children, who are more susceptible to sunstroke and heat-related illnesses.
Closure Details and Affected Locations
The decision by VMC commissioner Dhyanachandra comes despite citizens, walkers, and visitors continuing to use public places during daytime hours, even as mercury levels exceed 45 degrees Celsius and severe heatwave conditions persist. The civic chief has ordered strict restrictions on visitors and walkers at all major parks and grounds, including Rajiv Gandhi Park, Raghavaiah Park, Dr BR Ambedkar Park, Dr KL Rao Park, Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium (IGMC), Loyola College, NSM School, MB Stadium, and other open grounds. These closures will be enforced from 9 am to 5 pm until May 26.
Awareness and Relief Measures
Authorities have been instructed to raise awareness among the public, particularly morning walkers, advising them to avoid parks and playgrounds during peak heat hours. The commissioner has directed officials to launch extensive awareness campaigns across the city using pamphlets, social media platforms, public announcement systems, electronic display boards, and WhatsApp groups to disseminate heatwave safety guidelines.
To provide relief to residents, officials are required to ensure the availability of drinking water facilities, cooling shelters, temporary water kiosks, and shaded areas at key public locations such as bus stations, markets, hospitals, schools, government offices, traffic junctions, and Anna Canteens. Additionally, the commissioner has instructed the deployment of mist vehicles, installation of sprinklers in crowded areas, and creation of temporary rest centers to offer respite to citizens.
About the Author
Sri Krishna Kummara is a Senior Digital Content Creator at The Times of India-Vijayawada, covering developments related to VMC, Medical & Health, Transport, Metro, APSRTC, Railway, and Airport stories. He holds a graduate degree in BA with Journalism, Psychology, and Literature as core subjects.
