Heatwave: Delhi LG directs paid afternoon break for construction labourers as temp reaches 50 degrees C
Delhi LG directs paid break for labourers at construction sites from 12-3 pm due to heatwave with temperatures near 50 degrees. Instructions have also been given for water provision and necessary arrangements for extreme heat protection to workers.
Delhi's Lt Governor, VK Saxena, has instructed that labourers working at construction sites receive a paid break from 12 noon to 3 pm, PTI reported. This measure comes in response to the heatwave conditions in the city, where temperatures have reached around 50 degrees Celsius in some areas.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has already implemented the three-hour break for labourers since May 20. This arrangement will continue until temperatures drop below 40 degrees Celsius.
Also Read | Bihar heatwave: Students faint at Sheikhpura school; Tejashwi Yadav criticizes government — Watch Video
Hydration and Welfare Arrangements
On May 20, the LG instructed the DDA to ensure adequate hydration facilities for labourers at construction sites. Officials confirmed that arrangements have been made to provide water and coconut water to help workers stay hydrated.
The LG has directed the chief secretary to convene a meeting with officers from the PWD, DJB, I&FC, MCD, NDMC, Power department, and DUSIB. The meeting will address necessary steps to protect labourers and supervisory staff from the extreme heat.
In addition to the breaks, the LG has ordered that earthen pots with drinking water be placed at bus queue shelters for bus passengers. Tankers with treated water from STPs will be used for road sprinkling, and water sprinklers at high-rise buildings and roads will be activated to tackle pollution and provide relief to the public.
Delhi weather update
Delhiites witnessed a scorching heatwave on Tuesday, May 28, as the maximum temperature in the national capital soared close to 50 degrees Celsius. Two weather stations—Mungeshpur and Narela—observed the high temperature touching 49.9 degrees Celsius yesterday.
The manual observatories at Aya Nagar and Ridge near Delhi University surpassed their previous maximum temperature records, reaching 47.6 degrees Celsius and 47.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The city's Safdarjung Observatory, Najafgarh, Pitampura, and Pusa also recorded their highest temperatures: 45.8 degrees Celsius, 49.8 degrees Celsius, and 48.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for May 29 and 30 in six states: Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Western UP, and Madhya Pradesh.
(With inputs from PTI)
Stay updated with the latest developments on India Pakistan and Operation Sindoor . Get breaking news and key updates here on Mint!