The 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 high-risk urban areas
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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 IANS.
The 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 high-risk urban areas.
Work Timings Revised to Avoid Peak Heat Hours
One 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 IANS.
Additionally, 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 IANS.
To ensure compliance, district administrations and urban local bodies will issue official circulars mandating these changes.
Focus on Women’s Safety and Workplace Facilities
The 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 IANS.
This move is seen as a step toward addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities faced by women working in outdoor and informal sectors, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
High-Risk Districts Identified Across Regions
The SOPs have been introduced in response to Maharashtra being ranked among the most heat-vulnerable 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 IANS.
These 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 high-risk zones, reported IANS.
Water Access, Shade, and Cooling Infrastructure Boosted
To 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 maintenance.
Authorities will also distribute Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and electrolyte sachets through primary health centres, ward offices, and non-governmental organisations, reported IANS.
Public parks and gardens are to remain open during afternoon hours, while temporary shaded structures will be erected at labour hubs, vending zones, and high-traffic areas. Long-term measures include promoting tree plantation, reflective surfaces, and misting systems in urban planning, reported IANS.
Strengthening Medical Preparedness and Emergency Response
The SOPs also outline enhanced medical readiness to tackle heat-related illnesses. Primary and urban health centres will be stocked with ORS, intravenous fluids, and essential treatment kits.
Healthcare workers, including ASHAs and ward-level staff, will be trained to identify and respond to heat-related conditions. Emergency services will be strengthened by pre-positioning ambulances in high-risk areas and closely monitoring response times during peak heat days, reported IANS.
Disaster Management Centre Planned in Nagpur
In 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 crore.
The centre will focus on training personnel and conducting research on extreme heat conditions and sustainable cooling solutions, reinforcing the state’s long-term strategy to address climate-related challenges.
(With inputs from IANS)
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