Scorching Summer Grips Chhattisgarh: State Gears Up for Heatwave Emergency with Cooling Measures

Time of India

21-04-2025

RAIPUR: As temperatures breach 43 degrees Celsius across several districts in Chhattisgarh, the state health department has gone into emergency mode to tackle a looming heatwave crisis.
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With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further rise in temperatures—touching 44°C in places like Rajnandgaon and Bilaspur—the government has issued clear directives and intensified preparations to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
On Monday, Raipur remained hottest with maximum temperatures recorded at 43.7 degrees Celsius. Weathermen said that there's possibility of further rise in maximum temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius in next 48 hours and the temperatures in central parts of state is likely to remain in the range of 42-44 degrees Celsius for next five days.
Issuing a warning, the weather department said that there was chance of heat wave at isolated places over north Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.
Speaking to TOI, Dr Smriti Dewangan, Deputy Director for the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) and Disaster Management, emphasized urgent medical response for heatstroke.
'Emergency cooling mechanisms like dark cooling rooms, tub baths, ice-making machines, and cold water units are now operational in Raipur's district hospital and will be rolled out across all districts shortly.
Once the body temperature hits 104°F, it stops its natural cooling. Immediate intervention is essential," Dr Smriti said.
She added that Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-Centres are equipped with oral rehydration solution (ORS) stations. For areas lacking infrastructure, tarpaulin sheets are being deployed to create temporary shade and relief shelters.
Dr. Smriti also noted, 'Heatstroke is now a notifiable condition, requiring hospitals to conduct audits and postmortem reviews in suspected cases of heat-related deaths.
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We've instructed all health facilities to maintain readiness. This is not just seasonal anymore—heat-related illness is officially recognized under the climate-health linkage. Daily reporting dashboards have been active for the past few years.'
The state has adopted the 'cool first, transport later' strategy, as per NPCCHH guidelines. This means on-site emergency cooling of patients before transferring them to hospitals—a critical step to prevent fatalities.
According to the guidelines, the district-level and city-level Heat Health Action Plans (HHAPs) are now in motion, with task force meetings underway to coordinate surveillance data, ambulance preparedness, and health worker deployment. The IHIP portal is receiving daily data from March 1 onwards, covering every case from minor heat rashes to fatal heatstroke.
Cooling appliances and water kiosks are being installed at hospitals and provisions made for adequate drinking water and ventilation in waiting areas.
The government is also training community health workers in first aid and heatstroke detection, especially in remote areas.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mandated the implementation of the national action plan on heat-related illnesses, emphasizing
emergency cooling protocols
, surveillance, and fire safety in hospitals.
Raipur, Bilaspur and Rajnandgaon have been sizzling hot with maximum temperatures touching 42-44 degrees Celsius.
The weather department warned that the next 48 hours will see further temperature spikes, followed by isolated thunderstorm activity in some districts during late evenings.
In Raipur, roads wore a deserted look by afternoon as blistering heat and heavy traffic zones emptied out.
Health officials are urging vulnerable groups—the elderly, children, outdoor workers—to stay indoors between 12 PM and 4 PM. IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns are underway to spread awareness on hydration, protective clothing, and early signs of heat stress.
With April heating up and May expected to be harsher, Chhattisgarh's health machinery is racing against the clock to ensure
zero fatalities from heatstroke
. 'We're preparing every level of the healthcare system,' said the doctors. 'Where there are gaps, we are bridging them fast. The directives are clear—we can't afford to let the heat win.'
State health facilities are instructed to:
Maintain adequate stocks of ORS, IV fluids, essential medicines, and ice packs
Establish cooling units in secondary and tertiary hospitals
Prepare ambulances with ice boxes and cold water for rapid field response
Conduct fire safety audits as rising heat increases risk of electrical fires
Public Advisory:
Stay hydrated.
Avoid going out between 12–4 PM. Wear loose, light-colored clothing. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat. In emergencies, call 108 or reach your nearest health center.