Pune: The district administration on Wednesday issued its heatwave advisory, directing industries, factories and organisers of public events to ensure availability of drinking water, shaded rest areas, fans and electrolyte beverages for workers and visitors. The advisory comes as temperatures continued to remain high across the district. On Wednesday, Lohegaon recorded a maximum temperature of 41.4°C, followed by Shivajinagar and Koregaon Park (39°), Chinchwad 37.9°C and Lavale 37.2°C.The multi-sectoral guidelines, issued by district collector and district disaster management authority chairperson Jitendra Dudi, aimed at protecting labourers, outdoor workers and vulnerable groups from the impact of severe heatwave conditions expected over the coming months.The guidelines were issued following directions from state govt and seasonal forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The advisory stated that labour-intensive work should be rescheduled to avoid peak afternoon heat hours. Industries and contractors have been directed to reduce work intensity, where necessary, and ensure access to adequate drinking water, shaded rest areas and cooling facilities.The administration also directed employers to keep emergency supplies, such as ice packs and heat-resistant material, readily available and conduct regular health check-ups for workers in coordination with the health department.Factory and mine managements have been instructed to provide mandatory rest breaks during the hottest parts of the day, organise workers in two-person “buddy systems” and supply electrolyte-enriched beverages. The advisory also stresses educating workers about symptoms of heat-related illnesses and preventive measures.Special emphasis has been placed on construction workers, brick kiln labourers, daily wage earners and workers in the unorganised sector. Authorities have been asked to conduct awareness drives through posters, banners and outreach programmes at labour congregation points, including Shramik Chowks.For gram sabhas, religious gatherings and cultural processions during summer, the administration has directed organisers to deploy health personnel and ensure medical aid facilities are available on site. Authorities have also been told to examine if timings of such events can be shifted from peak afternoon hours.
