With Ahmedabad’s temperature crossing the 40°C mark for the first time this summer, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has prepared a Heat Action Plan.
As a part of the plan, green nets will be installed at traffic junctions in different wards across the city.
Moreover, in a big relief to citizens, traffic signals of the city will be turned off for 6 hours (11 am to 4 pm), so that commuters don’t have to stop at crossroads and can avoid heat-related discomfort.
Citizens have been advised to avoid going outdoors between 12 noon and 4 pm unless necessary. AMC, with the help of NGOs, will set up drinking water stations. Each of the seven zones of the city will have 50 such water stations.
With the onset of March, the city’s maximum temperature has already crossed 40°C. In schools under the AMC School Board, where more than 1.5 lakh students study, and in private schools across the city, a water bell rings every hour to remind students to stay hydrated.
On the days when extreme heat warnings are issued, school timings will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to roads, green nets will also be installed at AMTS and BRTS bus stops, and water stations will be set up at these locations. ORS (oral rehydration solution) packets will be distributed at all bus stops as well as urban and community health centres.
AMC-run hospitals will provide treatment for heat-related illnesses. Around 2,00,000 labourers work at more than 700 construction sites across the city. During extreme heat conditions, all construction activities will be halted from 12 noon to 4 pm.
Between April 1 and June 15, major traffic junctions, labour colonies, and key construction areas in each ward will be equipped with sheds and water facilities.
All public gardens will remain open from 6 am to 11 pm. Low-traffic junctions will be made non-operational from 11 am to 5 pm. Moreover, all 95 fountains in the city will remain operational.
Ahmedabad recorded 46.6°C on May 24, 2024
Despite the annual expenditure of crores of rupees on the ‘Mission Million Tree’ campaign, the city’s maximum summer temperatures continue to rise. On May 24, 2024, Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 46.6°C.