‘Air cooled jackets’ help Amravati cops beat heat

Amravati: As Vidarbha reels under a blistering heatwave, traffic police standing under direct sunlight for hours at busy junctions have found an unlikely ally — high-tech ‘air-cooled jackets'.With the city's mercury crossing 45°C, the Amravati police commissionerate has distributed around 150 battery-powered jackets to traffic police personnel and field staff to help them combat the intense heat and prevent heatstroke. The move comes as the regional weather office issued a four-day ‘yellow alert', warning that the scorching conditions will only intensify.Each jacket comes fitted with a mini air-conditioning unit that circulates cool air around the torso, keeping body temperature 5–10°C lower than outside. A full charge lasts an entire shift, and reflective strips make officers visible at night. The jackets were funded through the District Planning Committee (DPC), each costing approximately Rs7,000. Deputy commissioner of police (Traffic), Ramesh Dhumal, said the initiative has brought significant relief to personnel working on the ground. "Our staff were facing considerable difficulty due to prolonged exposure to the sun. However, with the introduction of these air-cooled jackets, they are now more comfortable and satisfied while performing their duties," he said.The jackets — white, lightweight, and breathable — have been distributed equally across the city's three traffic divisions, 50 per zone. White-uniformed cops in the cooling gear are now a common sight at Amravati's main squares."Earlier, the heat meant splitting headaches and crushing fatigue by noon. Now I can focus on the job," said one traffic constable on duty at Irwin Square. Beyond policing, the jackets are being pitched for construction workers, bikers, hikers, and campers — anyone exposed to extreme heat. Police commissionerate officials said the goal was twofold: protect personnel from heatstroke and keep efficiency up during peak summer hours. The initiative has drawn praise from citizens and health experts alike for its sensitivity toward frontline staff.