Andhra Pradesh plans hydration centers and water measures

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has announced new measures to help people cope with the rising summer temperatures in 2025. He held a meeting with various government officials to discuss the state's summer action plan. The government will set up ‘hydration centres’ that will provide buttermilk and water at busy places like markets, bus stands, and labor hubs. This is part of the effort to ensure that everyone stays hydrated during the hot months. Naidu also stressed the importance of adjusting working hours for laborers. For NREGA and municipal workers, new hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., allowing them to avoid the hottest part of the day. Additionally, municipal workers will not do outdoor tasks between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schools will implement a ‘water bell’ system to remind students to drink water regularly. Hospitals must prepare for heatstroke cases by ensuring there are enough beds and medical staff available. Officials will also use mobile alerts to notify the public about heat risks. Naidu announced plans to construct water tanks in villages to help cattle and prevent water shortages, especially in drought-prone areas. The government will spend ₹35 crore to build over 12,000 water ponds for livestock. To help combat heatwaves, the government will distribute ORS packets to workers and travelers. They will also monitor forest areas for fire hazards using drones and take action against those causing negligent fires. Additionally, ₹39 crore has been approved for improving water supply in municipalities. Overall, these measures aim to protect both people and animals from the extreme heat during the summer months.