The Union Labour and Employment Ministry has asked all States and UTs to ensure preparedness and effective management of the impact of ensuing heat wave conditions on workers and labourers working in different sectors.
In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Labour Secretary Arti Ahuja emphasised upon the need to issue directions to the employers, construction companies and industries to undertake necessary steps to mitigate the adverse effects of extremely hot weather.
The Labour Secretary referred to the seasonal outlook issued by the Indian Metrological Department for the Hot Weather Season during the current year, which indicates above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of North East India, East and Central India and some parts of North West India. The letter lists out various strategic steps required to be taken, which include re-scheduling of working hours for employees and workers, ensuring adequate drinking water facilities at workplaces, making provision for emergency ice packs and heat illness prevention material to construction workers, and coordinating with Health Department to ensure regular health check-up of the workers.
The letter also stressed the need to issue instructions to the Managements of Mines, asking them to undertake immediate steps to make provision for rest areas, an adequate quantity of cool water and electrolyte supplements near the workplace.
Sources said that the weather department had issued an orange alert for dangerously high temperatures in three States, West Bengal, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, and said heatwave conditions are likely in parts of four others — Sikkim, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
At particular risk during severe heat are vulnerable people, including infants, those of old age, and people with chronic diseases. IMD has recommended various preventive measures such as drinking sufficient water (even if not thirsty), drinking ORS (oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte replenishments) or similar homemade drinks to keep hydrated.
An orange alert for heatwaves implies high temperatures with an increased likelihood of heat illnesses in people who are either exposed to the sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work. The alerts come a day after 13 people died in Maharashtra while sitting in the open.
Eight projects worth Rs 638 crore approved
Meanwhile, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved eight projects worth around Rs 638 crore. The projects were approved at the Executive Committee meeting of NMCG chaired by its Director General G Asok Kumar, official sources said.
Of them, four projects amounting to around Rs 407 crore were approved for pollution abatement in the Shamli district to clean River Hindon, a tributary of River Yamuna.
In a statement, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said that these projects are part of the comprehensive Hindon Rejuvenation Plan as this river is identified as Priority-I polluted river stretch.
As part of preparations for the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh in 2025, one project for development of seven ghats was approved. The ghats include Dashashmedh Ghat, Quila Ghat, Gyan Ganga Ashram Ghat and Saraswati Ghat. These ghats will have amenities such as area for bathing, universal access ramp and drinking water points.
For Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, one sewerage management project each was approved. In Bihar, a project to construct three Sewage Treatment Plants, among other works, was approved at the cost of nearly Rs 77 crore. These projects will prevent the flow of polluted water into River Kiul, which is a tributary of Ganga.
Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh, a project to construct 22 Million Litres per Day Sewage Treatment Plant and other works was approved at the cost of Rs 93 crore. It will prevent the flow of polluted water into River Kshipra, a sub-tributary of Yamuna.
Another project for ghat development was approved for Haridwar in Uttarakhand, where Akhand Param Dham ghat will be constructed, sources said.
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