Thiruvananthapuram, March 10 (NationPress) The government of Kerala has announced a fund allocation of Rs 1 crore to each District Collector aimed at enhancing measures for summer disaster management and heat prevention throughout the state, as revealed on Tuesday.

This decision was reached during a crucial meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The Chief Minister urged officials to stay vigilant regarding summer-associated dangers, such as drought, shortages of drinking water, wild animal encounters, lightning strikes, heat-related health issues, and fire hazards.

Meetings at the district level will be organized to coordinate preventive actions and facilitate quick response strategies.

In recent years, summer conditions in Kerala have escalated in severity.

Temperatures in various districts are already ranging between 34 and 38 degrees Celsius, while areas like Palakkad frequently experience peaks of 38 to 40 degrees Celsius during the height of summer.

The combination of humidity levels of 60 to 80 percent can make the heat index feel like 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, increasing the chances of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke.

As part of the proactive measures, the Chief Minister insisted that local self-governments formulate Local Heat Action Plans.

A model plan has already been established by Moodadi Grama Panchayat in Kozhikode district, and similar initiatives should now be rolled out across all panchayats and municipalities.

Officials have also been instructed to embark on a comprehensive public awareness initiative focusing on heat safety.

The Health Department will establish dedicated heat clinics, and all Primary Health Centres will be equipped to provide first aid for sunstroke incidents.

Temporary drinking water booths will be set up in busy public areas like markets, road junctions, and bus terminals.

Proper ventilation and drinking water must be assured in examination halls.

Ongoing water kiosks will be repaired, and additional ones installed where necessary, with stringent monitoring to ensure water quality.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of preventing saline water intrusion and protecting crops during the summer months.

This meeting was attended by Ministers K. Rajan, Roshy Augustine, and K. Krishnankutty, along with Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, District Collectors, and senior officials from the state Disaster Management Authority.

With the Assembly elections approaching, the directives from this meeting carry significant weight.