Udupi: Amid rising temperatures across coastal districts, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K has urged the public to take precautionary measures to safeguard against heat-related illnesses during the ongoing summer season.
Chairing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority at the District Collectorate Hall, Rajatadri in Manipal, she emphasised the need to spread awareness about the health risks associated with extreme heat.
Focus on preventing heat-related illnesses
Swaroopa highlighted that conditions such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are common during peak summer and can have serious health consequences if not addressed promptly.
She urged the public to strictly follow precautionary guidelines issued by the District Disaster Management Authority and advised avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak afternoon hours.
To strengthen preparedness, she directed health department officials to ensure adequate stock of ORS packets and essential medicines at all health centres to effectively treat heat-related cases.
Ensuring drinking water availability
Stressing the importance of access to safe drinking water, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to make arrangements for clean drinking water at public places such as markets, bus stands and railway stations.
She also directed authorities to take immediate steps to address any drinking water shortages in both urban and rural areas. In regions already facing scarcity, officials have been asked to identify borewells and arrange tanker supply to ensure uninterrupted access.
Further, she emphasised the need to prevent the supply of contaminated water and called for mandatory and regular water quality testing across the district.
Preparedness for fire safety and emergencies
With summer increasing the risk of fire accidents, Swaroopa called for strict monitoring of fire safety measures in hospitals, industries and other crowded establishments.
Expressing dissatisfaction over delays in conducting fire safety audits despite earlier instructions, she directed fire department officials to complete inspections at the earliest and submit detailed reports.
She stressed that preparedness is key to minimising damage and ensuring a swift response in case of emergencies.
Administrative coordination and livestock welfare
The Deputy Commissioner instructed taluk-level task force committees to hold regular meetings and closely monitor the situation to avoid disruptions in essential services.
She also noted that there is currently no shortage of fodder for cattle in the district, with sufficient stock available for the next 39 weeks across all taluks, providing relief to farmers and livestock owners.
Additionally, a district-level committee has been formed under her chairmanship to handle emergencies such as oil spills, and members have been directed to stay informed about response mechanisms.
Awareness campaigns to safeguard public health
Swaroopa underscored the importance of public awareness in mitigating the impact of extreme heat. She called for widespread dissemination of precautionary measures through posters, banners and public announcements in both urban and rural areas.
“There are several adverse effects of extreme temperatures. Awareness among people will play a crucial role in preventing health risks,” she said.
Conclusion
The district administration’s proactive measures aim to minimise the impact of rising temperatures and ensure public safety during the summer months. With coordinated efforts, adequate resources and increased awareness, authorities hope to effectively manage heat-related challenges and protect both residents and livestock.