In a bid to protect frontline workers from rising temperatures, the Bengaluru North City Corporation (BNCC) has launched a pilot initiative to support traffic police personnel exposed to prolonged outdoor heat.
The programme, titled ‘Heat-Health Protocol’, was organised in collaboration with C40 Cities, Sensing Local and Hasiru Dala. As part of the initiative, 20 air-conditioned cooling helmets were distributed to traffic police personnel.
Focus on heat-related health awareness
According to BNCC, the programme was introduced in response to increasing temperatures and the growing risk of heat-related illnesses among workers who spend long hours outdoors.
Traffic police personnel were educated about the effects of extreme heat, common heat-related health issues and precautionary measures to stay safe while on duty.
The initiative aims to improve awareness and reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Cooling helmets distributed
As part of the pilot project, selected traffic police personnel received specially designed cooling helmets intended to provide relief during duty hours under the sun.
The helmets are expected to help improve comfort and reduce heat stress among personnel managing traffic in busy parts of the city.
Plans for wider implementation
BNCC Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar said similar cooling kits had earlier been distributed to pourakarmikas, ASHA workers and dry waste collection centre workers.
With the programme now extended to traffic police personnel, the corporation plans to gather feedback on the effectiveness and usability of the cooling helmets.
Based on the response, BNCC will consider expanding the initiative to benefit a larger number of frontline workers across Bengaluru.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the impact of extreme heat on outdoor workers and the need for better protective measures.#Bengaluru #TrafficPolice #HeatHealth #BNCC #PublicHealth #newskarnataka