The Kerala government has decided to provide Rs 1 crore to each District Collector to enhance summer disaster mitigation and heat prevention efforts throughout the state. This decision came after a high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for risks like drought, water scarcity, wild animal attacks, lightning, heat-related illnesses, and fire accidents. District-level meetings will be organized to coordinate preventive actions and ensure quick response mechanisms.
Summer conditions in Kerala have been worsening in recent years, with temperatures in various districts reaching between 34 and 38 degrees Celsius. Interior areas like Palakkad often experience temperatures of 38 to 40 degrees Celsius during peak summer periods. Coupled with humidity levels of 60 to 80 per cent, the heat index can make it feel as hot as 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, increasing the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke.
To prevent such risks, the Chief Minister has instructed local self-government bodies to develop Local Heat Action Plans. A model plan has already been formulated by Moodadi Grama Panchayat in Kozhikode district, which should now be implemented across all panchayats and municipalities. Additionally, authorities will conduct an extensive public awareness campaign on heat safety and set up special heat clinics in Health Department facilities.
In preparation for the summer months, temporary drinking water booths will be set up in busy public areas like markets, road junctions, and bus stands. Adequate ventilation and drinking water provisions will be ensured in examination halls, and existing water kiosks will be repaired or new ones installed as needed. The government will also closely monitor the quality of drinking water and take steps to prevent saline water intrusion and protect crops during the summer.
The meeting, attended by Ministers K. Rajan, Roshy Augustine, and K. Krishnankutty, Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, District Collectors, and senior officials of the state Disaster Management Authority, holds significant importance with the upcoming Assembly elections.
