As the India Meteorological Department has issued a warning that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over north India during the upcoming week it becomes imperative for the government in Jammu and Kashmir to take adequate steps to provide relief to the people from the scorching weather conditions. The advisory by the IMD has specially mentioned that parts of J&K will also be affected by the ensuing severe heatwave and therefore the people at the helm should come up with measures to ensure that people remain indoors during the peak hours, when the sun is overhead. It is necessary that the government in J&K adopt measures similar to those taken by the Punjab Government as it has revised working hours for all offices, schools, and colleges. Reportedly, under the new schedule, working hours are between 7.30 am and 1.30 pm. This change will apply to all schools and colleges within the state. These revised timings will take effect starting May 25 and remain in place until further notice. Such a measure will also reduce the pressure on the electricity department as the peak hours start after 1 pm. This decision by the Punjab government is prudent and needs to be tried in those parts of Jammu and Kashmir which are facing similar severe heatwaves, especially the plains. As far as schools and colleges in J&K are concerned the need of the hour is to announce summer vacations as the same are due in the first or second week of June. With the weather forecast predicting a long dry spell in major parts of the region declaring summer vacations a bit early will not impact studies much. The people, on the other hand, should avoid direct sunlight especially during the peak hours of the day and should remain hydrated as it is necessary to cope with the higher temperatures which the region is experiencing these days. It is also advisable to consume traditional drinks like Shikanji, Sugarcane juice, etc and avoid sugary drinks which often prove harmful to human health. All said and done, it is the need of the hour that the government in J&K ponder over the matter and take the decision in line with that of the Punjab Government because asking the residents to step out during hot days is not at all a good idea. It is worthwhile to note that during the summer months many times, excessive exposure to the sun has even proved fatal therefore the government should intervene and take prudent steps to keep citizens especially students safe during ensuing heatwaves.
