Heatwaves to take over Karnataka for 14 days starting April 2: IMD issues warning
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for a hot summer season spanning from April to June, anticipating above-normal temperatures in various parts of the country.
According to the IMD forecast, Karnataka is set to experience heatwaves for a span of 14 days starting from April 2. The impact is expected to be felt across several districts, including those in the North Interior region, as well as Chitradurga, Gadag, Davangere, Tumkur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Mandya, Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Rural, and Chamarajanagar in the South Interior region.
During heatwaves, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Additionally, the elevated temperatures could strain infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems.
In response to the forecast, the IMD has advised authorities to take proactive measures to address these challenges. Recommendations include establishing cooling centers, issuing heat advisories to the public, and implementing strategies to mitigate the urban heat island effect in affected areas.
Furthermore, the IMD predicts a rise in both normal maximum and minimum temperatures during the month of April. While the North Interior region is expected to receive above-normal rainfall, the South Interior region, Malenadu, and Coastal districts are anticipated to experience below-normal rainfall during this period.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
