A severe heatwave has affected several parts of Maharashtra, with Vidarbha experiencing extremely high temperatures. On Tuesday, Akola recorded 44°C, Amravati 43.8°C, and Solapur 43.2°C. In response, the state government has introduced three detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to protect citizens from extreme heat conditions and reduce health risks.
Guidelines for outdoor workers in high-risk districtsThe first SOP focuses on protecting outdoor informal workers across 15 high heat-risk districts, including Latur, Amravati, Yavatmal, and Nagpur. It provides specific measures for street vendors, construction workers, traffic police, sanitation staff, delivery personnel, and auto drivers who are exposed to direct sunlight. Authorities will modify work schedules based on IMD alerts, including yellow, orange, and red warnings. Additional steps include ensuring frequent water breaks, setting up hydration booths, distributing ORS packets, creating shaded rest areas, and strengthening healthcare services. These efforts aim to reduce heat-related illnesses and ensure safer working conditions during extreme weather.
Special measures for coal mine workers in ChandrapurThe second SOP is designed for coal mine workers in Chandrapur, where heat exposure is particularly intense. It focuses on effective heat stress management through structured interventions. Workers will be provided with cooling rest areas, continuous access to drinking water, and improved ventilation systems within mining zones. Work schedules will be adjusted to avoid peak heat hours, and job rotation will be implemented to limit prolonged exposure. Training programs will help workers identify early signs of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, special facilities will be introduced for women workers, ensuring safety, comfort, and overall well-being in high-temperature working environments.
Heat-resilient housing and urban planning measuresThe third SOP emphasizes the development of heat-resilient housing and climate-sensitive urban planning. Immediate actions include heat risk mapping, identifying vulnerable populations, awareness campaigns, and setting up cooling centres. Low-cost home improvements such as reflective roofing, better ventilation, and shaded spaces will be promoted. Medium-term plans involve incorporating heat-resistant designs like cool roofs and green spaces into housing schemes such as PMAY, building by-laws, and city master plans. Long-term strategies focus on updating state building codes, implementing climate-sensitive zoning, and ensuring equitable thermal comfort for all residents, especially in densely populated and high-risk areas.
Three-tier implementation strategy for long-term impactThe SOP framework follows a three-tier approach: immediate, medium-term (1–3 years), and long-term interventions. Immediate measures target urgent relief through awareness, cooling infrastructure, and basic home modifications. Medium-term strategies focus on integrating heat resilience into housing policies and urban planning frameworks. Long-term actions aim at structural reforms, including updated building regulations and climate-responsive development. The government also emphasizes inter-departmental coordination, regular monitoring, and feedback from health centres and workers. Representation of informal workers is encouraged to ensure policies remain practical and inclusive, addressing real challenges faced on the ground during extreme heat conditions.
Rising temperatures and government advisoryMinister Girish Mahajan stated that Maharashtra is among the country’s ten most heat-prone states, with temperatures rising steadily due to climate change. In some regions, temperatures have reached between 47°C and 49°C. He confirmed that all district collectors and disaster management departments have been instructed to take necessary precautions. Recent temperature recordings include Amravati at 43.8°C, Yavatmal at 42.6°C, Solapur at 43.2°C, Akola at 44°C, and Nagpur at 42.2°C, among others. Authorities have also shared emergency helpline numbers, including 1077 for district control rooms, 108 for ambulances, and 112/100 for police assistance.