Jamshedpur: Following the initiative in Ranchi, police and traffic personnel in Seraikela-Kharsawan district will now wear cooling jackets to cope with the scorching heat while on duty. As part of a pilot project, six specially designed jackets have been provided to three police officers and three traffic constables deployed at various traffic posts in the district.
Pilot Project Details
The jackets, procured from a Pune-based company, come equipped with two batteries that power two fans for up to six hours. Users simply wet the collar with water, allowing cool air to circulate throughout the body, ensuring comfort during duty hours. Each jacket costs approximately Rs 3,500. Based on the results of this pilot, the district police may purchase more jackets in the future, according to SP Nidhi Dwivedi.
Additional Features
Apart from cooling, the jackets are fitted with reflective strips that enhance visibility in the dark, potentially reducing accident risks during night duty. Traffic inspector Raju, sharing his first-day experience, noted that the jawans appeared visibly relaxed unlike other days when excessive sweating was common. However, he cautioned that it is premature to draw conclusions, as side effects, if any, will become evident only after regular use over an extended period.
Other Summer Measures
The district police have also distributed 26 ceiling fans, 45 pedestal fans, seven air coolers, and two wall-mounted fans to personnel posted at police stations, outposts, and police offices to improve working conditions during the summer.
