Amid sweltering temperatures, Kolkata Police has trimmed the duty hours of its traffic constables from eight to six hours, effective immediately. Police Commissioner Manoj Verma made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the decision was aimed at safeguarding personnel from heat-related exhaustion.

The daytime temperature in the city is lingering between 37°C and 38°C, with humidity levels adding to the discomfort. Even post-sunset, mercury levels refuse to dip below 25°C. Recognizing these harsh conditions, Verma confirmed that no traffic constable will serve longer than six consecutive hours.

To ensure smooth traffic management despite reduced hours, Verma revealed that the force will now operate in four shorter shifts, instead of the earlier three-shift pattern. Additional personnel from the reserve force will be deployed to cover the gaps and maintain efficiency.

In a proactive step, Kolkata Traffic Police has also distributed over 5,500 summer care kits among its personnel. Each kit contains essentials like oral rehydration salts (ORS), reusable water bottles, umbrellas, and protective sunglasses. Furthermore, clay water pots have been stationed at various traffic posts to offer natural cooling.

Recognizing the discomfort caused by the heat, officers have also been allowed to skip leather wristbands and anklets during the season.

The distribution drive kicked off at Park Circus, where Commissioner Verma personally handed out kits, before inspecting other major junctions like Shyambazar, Bhowanipore, and Pragati Maidan. Officials noted that while summer kits are an annual effort, the initiative commenced earlier this year due to extreme weather.