.jpg)
Protection Against Heatwaves! Maharashtra Government Announces New SOP; Complete Ban on Afternoon Work
The intensity of the scorching sun in Maharashtra is escalating day by day. To ensure that the health of citizens—particularly those working outdoors—is not jeopardized by the rising heat, the State Government has taken stringent measures. On Monday, Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan announced a new 'Standard Operating Procedure' (SOP).
According to this new SOP, during periods when 'Orange' or 'Red' alerts are in effect, orders have been issued to completely halt all types of outdoor work between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
**Major Changes to Working Hours**
**Morning Work Hours:** 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
**Evening Work Hours:** 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Local administrative bodies have been directed to strictly enforce these regulations within the construction sector, industrial estates, and among street vendors.
**15 Districts Declared 'High-Risk' Zones**
Currently, 15 districts across the state have been declared as highly sensitive (high-risk) zones. These include the following districts:
Latur, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Akola, Buldhana, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Nanded.
The intensity of the heat is highest in the Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh regions. In cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, temperatures are rising even further due to the 'Urban Heat Island' effect. **Government-Provided Facilities**
* Installation of drinking water booths in marketplaces, public squares, and traffic junctions.
* Free distribution of ORS and electrolytes through Primary Health Centers.
* Deployment of '108' ambulances in vulnerable areas.
* Specialized training for ASHA volunteers to identify heatstroke symptoms.
* Provision of shaded resting areas for laborers, and keeping public gardens and parks open during the afternoon hours.
**Government Appeal**
More than 50 percent of the districts in the state are currently at risk of a heatwave. The government has appealed to citizens to avoid venturing outdoors during the afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary.
Stay alert, stay hydrated, and protect yourself—as well as others—from the heat!
The intensity of the scorching sun in Maharashtra is escalating day by day. To ensure that the health of citizens—particularly those working outdoors—is not jeopardized by the rising heat, the State Government has taken stringent measures. On Monday, Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan announced a new 'Standard Operating Procedure' (SOP).
According to this new SOP, during periods when 'Orange' or 'Red' alerts are in effect, orders have been issued to completely halt all types of outdoor work between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
**Major Changes to Working Hours**
**Morning Work Hours:** 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
**Evening Work Hours:** 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Local administrative bodies have been directed to strictly enforce these regulations within the construction sector, industrial estates, and among street vendors.
**15 Districts Declared 'High-Risk' Zones**
Currently, 15 districts across the state have been declared as highly sensitive (high-risk) zones. These include the following districts:
Latur, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Akola, Buldhana, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Nanded.
The intensity of the heat is highest in the Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh regions. In cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, temperatures are rising even further due to the 'Urban Heat Island' effect. **Government-Provided Facilities**
* Installation of drinking water booths in marketplaces, public squares, and traffic junctions.
* Free distribution of ORS and electrolytes through Primary Health Centers.
* Deployment of '108' ambulances in vulnerable areas.
* Specialized training for ASHA volunteers to identify heatstroke symptoms.
* Provision of shaded resting areas for laborers, and keeping public gardens and parks open during the afternoon hours.
**Government Appeal**
More than 50 percent of the districts in the state are currently at risk of a heatwave. The government has appealed to citizens to avoid venturing outdoors during the afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary.
Stay alert, stay hydrated, and protect yourself—as well as others—from the heat!
According to this new SOP, during periods when 'Orange' or 'Red' alerts are in effect, orders have been issued to completely halt all types of outdoor work between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
**Major Changes to Working Hours**
**Morning Work Hours:** 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
**Evening Work Hours:** 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Local administrative bodies have been directed to strictly enforce these regulations within the construction sector, industrial estates, and among street vendors.
**15 Districts Declared 'High-Risk' Zones**
Currently, 15 districts across the state have been declared as highly sensitive (high-risk) zones. These include the following districts:
Latur, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Akola, Buldhana, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Nanded.
The intensity of the heat is highest in the Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh regions. In cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, temperatures are rising even further due to the 'Urban Heat Island' effect. **Government-Provided Facilities**
* Installation of drinking water booths in marketplaces, public squares, and traffic junctions.
* Free distribution of ORS and electrolytes through Primary Health Centers.
* Deployment of '108' ambulances in vulnerable areas.
* Specialized training for ASHA volunteers to identify heatstroke symptoms.
* Provision of shaded resting areas for laborers, and keeping public gardens and parks open during the afternoon hours.
**Government Appeal**
More than 50 percent of the districts in the state are currently at risk of a heatwave. The government has appealed to citizens to avoid venturing outdoors during the afternoon hours unless absolutely necessary.
Stay alert, stay hydrated, and protect yourself—as well as others—from the heat!
