Ahmedabad, April 14 (NationPress) The city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat is bracing for a prolonged stretch of extreme heat over the upcoming week, with temperatures potentially soaring to 41°C, according to officials' reports on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that from April 14 to the morning of April 20, the maximum temperatures will range between 40°C and 41°C, while the minimum temperatures are anticipated to hover between 23°C and 25°C.

This forecast suggests an escalation in summer intensity across the region during this timeframe.

In response, local authorities have initiated precautionary actions as part of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)'s heat action strategy.

Utilizing area-specific maximum air temperature data, the AMC has established a system to pinpoint hotspot areas, providing temperature forecasts accessible via a dedicated website link and QR code.

This information will be refreshed every three days.

To combat the heat, provisions for Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and drinking water have been organized at schools, Anganwadis, construction sites, industrial units, and labor congregation points identified as hotspots.

The health department is implementing targeted health interventions, and over 1,300 water distribution points have been set up citywide with assistance from voluntary organizations, including more than 200 in high-density and heavy traffic zones.

ORS and drinking water services are guaranteed at all health facilities and hospitals, with AMC-operated hospitals and community health centers allocating specific beds for patients suffering from heat-related ailments.

To lessen exposure to extreme daytime temperatures, municipal schools have primarily transitioned to morning sessions.

Awareness campaigns have been launched, and water breaks are scheduled approximately every 1.5 hours, alongside provisions for ORS and drinking water.

Similar support has been extended to around 2,074 Anganwadis throughout the city.

All construction sites are now supplied with ORS and drinking water, and facilities have also been arranged at about 66 labor checkpoints and 65 worker gathering sites.

More than 19,000 personnel involved in field operations, including staff from the health department, engineering division, and sanitation teams, have been issued white caps to help reduce heat exposure.

Public amenities have been adjusted based on weather conditions, with over 300 gardens remaining open from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M., providing drinking water at all locations.

Approximately 34 shelter homes have been equipped with ORS and drinking water facilities.

In public transportation, the AMTS has implemented 25 air coolers and 10 water coolers across bus depots and terminals, along with provisions for ORS and water containers.

The BRTS network has ensured similar amenities across its seven bus depots and 199 bus stations.

In collaboration with traffic police, green shade nets have been installed at key intersections including Nirant Crossroads, CTM Crossroads, Victoria Garden Crossroads, Pushpakunj Crossroads, Jawahar Chowk Crossroads, and Memco Crossroads.

Additionally, more than 78 traffic junctions throughout the city have been set to blinking mode to facilitate smoother traffic flow and minimize commuter exposure during peak heat hours.