The Kerala state government will impose restrictions on public events, selection trials, daytime gatherings, cultural and sports activities during heatwave warnings. Additionally, steps will be taken to arrange water, ORS, and first aid for sunstroke at public places, and to reduce waiting time at traffic signals.
High-Level Meeting Chaired by Chief Minister
At a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday, several short-term and long-term mitigation measures were suggested. Vijayan said the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and Information Kerala Mission should set up a public messaging system for temperature and heatwave alerts.
Weather Monitoring and Public Participation
A decision was taken to consider the formation of weather monitoring systems with public participation at all Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs). A public campaign for rainwater harvesting should also be organized. The operational efficiency of KSDMA's Kavacham warning system must be ensured. Batteries and other technical aspects necessary for operating sirens should be regularly checked, he said.
Vijayan emphasized that information on temperature, rainfall, humidity, and water levels should be collected at the ward level and displayed locally to promote weather literacy. Funding from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be considered for this purpose. KSDMA should take the lead in implementing the plan prepared for Wayanad in phase-I. It should take necessary steps to install rain gauges before the monsoon. The state executive committee should identify the funds required, he added.
School Weather Instruments and High-Risk Areas
KSDMA and the education department are preparing a plan to enhance the operation of weather instruments installed in schools. Continuous maintenance and data collection should be ensured at weather stations. KSDMA should take the lead in preparing and implementing a plan to install automatic instruments in high-risk areas, he added.
Coordination and Temporary Structures
Vijayan emphasized that health centre staff, LSG government representatives, officials, service and trade unions, and voluntary organizations must coordinate their actions. He added that temporary structures providing shade should be set up in markets and public areas. Collectors must consult police and take steps to reduce traffic signal durations where possible.
Community Drinking Water Systems
Efforts must be made to establish a community system to provide drinking water and, if possible, buttermilk and watermelons. Kudumbashree, cooperative institutions, youth organizations, clubs, and other service, voluntary, and trade union organizations should collaborate to implement this at as many places as possible. LSGIs should lead the initiative, he said, adding that the Kerala Water Authority and irrigation department must ensure drinking water availability by coordinating with local institutions.
Heat-Resilient Anganwadis and Schools
All anganwadis will be transformed into heat-resilient buildings using technologies such as cool roofs and ventilation, said Vijayan. The project prepared by KSDMA and the energy management centre will be implemented on a war footing in collaboration with the Women and Child Development department and LSGIs. This will also be extended to necessary schools, he concluded.
