Maharashtra issues SOPs to protect outdoor workers amid rising urban heat risks

The Maharashtra government on Monday unveiled a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures SOPs aimed at safeguarding outdoor informal workers in urban heat risk districts as rising temperatures continue to pose serious health threats across the state reported IANSThe guidelines released under the direction of State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan focus on reducing heat exposure improving workplace safety and strengthening medical preparedness in highrisk urban areasWork Timings Revised to Avoid Peak Heat HoursOne of the key measures introduced in the SOPs is the rescheduling of outdoor work hours to cooler parts of the day Workers are advised to operate between 6 am and 11 am and again from 4 pm to 8 pm during heat alerts reported IANSAdditionally mandatory rest breaks have been enforced between 12 pm and 4 pm during orange and red alerts The government has also directed authorities to implement schedule shifts across sectors such as construction industrial operations and street vending reported IANSTo ensure compliance district administrations and urban local bodies will issue official circulars mandating these changesFocus on Womenrsquos Safety and Workplace FacilitiesThe SOPs place special emphasis on ensuring safe working conditions for women Authorities have been instructed to improve lighting provide transport facilities and ensure access to protective infrastructure at work sites reported IANSThis move is seen as a step toward addressing genderspecific vulnerabilities faced by women working in outdoor and informal sectors particularly during extreme weather conditionsHighRisk Districts Identified Across RegionsThe SOPs have been introduced in response to Maharashtra being ranked among the most heatvulnerable regions in India According to the State Heat Action Plan 15 districts across Vidarbha Marathwada and Khandesh have been identified as highly susceptible to extreme heat reported IANSThese include Latur Amravati Yavatmal Washim Akola Buldhana Nagpur Wardha Chandrapur Gondia Bhandara Jalgaon Nandurbar Dhule and Nanded The guidelines apply to all municipal corporations councils and nagar panchayats in these highrisk zones reported IANSWater Access Shade and Cooling Infrastructure BoostedTo combat heat stress the SOPs mandate the installation of water booths at key informal work locations such as markets traffic junctions transit hubs and vending areas These booths will ensure regular access to drinking water with proper signage and maintenanceAuthorities will also distribute Oral Rehydration Solution ORS and electrolyte sachets through primary health centres ward offices and nongovernmental organisations reported IANSPublic parks and gardens are to remain open during afternoon hours while temporary shaded structures will be erected at labour hubs vending zones and hightraffic areas Longterm measures include promoting tree plantation reflective surfaces and misting systems in urban planning reported IANSStrengthening Medical Preparedness and Emergency ResponseThe SOPs also outline enhanced medical readiness to tackle heatrelated illnesses Primary and urban health centres will be stocked with ORS intravenous fluids and essential treatment kitsHealthcare workers including ASHAs and wardlevel staff will be trained to identify and respond to heatrelated conditions Emergency services will be strengthened by prepositioning ambulances in highrisk areas and closely monitoring response times during peak heat days reported IANSDisaster Management Centre Planned in NagpurIn a parallel initiative the state government has announced plans to establish a dedicated disaster management training and research centre in Nagpur at an estimated cost of Rs 184 croreThe centre will focus on training personnel and conducting research on extreme heat conditions and sustainable cooling solutions reinforcing the statersquos longterm strategy to address climaterelated challengesWith inputs from IANS