As the city braces for a potentially record-breaking summer, Mayor Neeta Thakre and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Health Department have issued a comprehensive advisory to protect citizens from heatstroke and heat-related illnesses (HRI). Under the guidance of Health Committee Chairperson Manisha Atkare and Medical Health Officer Dr Deepak Selokar, the NMC has activated a multi-layered Heat Action Plan effective until June 15. The health department has established ‘Cold Wards’ at 11 Government health facilities across the city to provide specialised treatment for heatstroke victims.

 

Till date, 38 HRI cases have been recorded, though no active heatstroke hospitalisations have been reported. For the vulnerable population, the NMC has shifted 50 homeless individuals to shelter homes over the past week, currently accommodating 432 people. Public parks will now remain open during the afternoon to provide shade and drinking water for travelers and street vendors. To minimise heat exposure, the NMC has implemented significant scheduling shifts. For educational institutions including Anganwadi the timings have been restricted to 7 am to 10.30 am.. For sanitation workers, the working hours have been moved to 5 am to 1 pm. To reduce waiting times at intersections, 31 major traffic signals will operate on ‘blinker mode’ during peak afternoon hours. In addition to this, the citizens have been advised to avoid outdoor activities between 12 noon and 4 pm, stay hydrated with lemon water and buttermilk, and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center if symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, or fever occur.