Udupi DC Urges Public Awareness on Heatwave Precautions
Udupi, March 26, 2025: With temperatures steadily rising in the district, Udupi Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to raise public awareness about heatwave precautions to ensure health safety.
Chairing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority at the Rajatadri DC office in Manipal, she highlighted that the temperature has already reached 39°C in March and is expected to rise further in April and May. The DC stressed the importance of hydration, rest, and changes in outdoor activity schedules to minimize health risks from heatwaves and sunstrokes.
While there is currently no drinking water crisis in urban or rural areas, she instructed officials to prepare for potential shortages in villages and wards that faced issues last year. She also emphasized the need for regular water quality testing to prevent contamination.
Dr. Vidya Kumari also pointed out that lightning strikes caused casualties in the district last year and called for awareness campaigns on safety measures during thunderstorms to prevent loss of life.
Addressing infrastructure concerns, she instructed officials to remove hazardous electric poles and dangling wires on priority and ensure public notifications during power supply disruptions. The clearance of dangerous roadside trees and blocked stormwater drains was also emphasized to prevent accidents and ensure proper drainage.
To tackle fire hazards during summer, she directed fire and emergency services to remain on high alert. If there is a shortage of fire trucks, immediate steps should be taken to procure additional vehicles from the government.
Regarding flood-prone villages and wards, she instructed officials to prepare management plans in advance. She also ordered structural stability assessments for schools and Anganwadi buildings to ensure safety.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Boyal noted that some rural areas faced water supply issues last year. Steps have been taken to address potential shortages by instructing gram panchayats to enter agreements for private borewell water supply.
The meeting was attended by Additional DC Abid Gadyal, Kundapur DFO Ganapati, Karkala Wildlife DFO Shivaram M. Babu, ASP Siddalingappa, Assistant Commissioner Maheshchandra, and other senior officials.
