Heatwave: VMC orders closure of public parks and open grounds during daytime

Vijayawada: With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati Meteorological Centre issuing a heatwave warning until May 24 in Andhra Pradesh and advising the administration to remain on alert, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has ordered the closure of all public places and open parks from 9 am to 5 pm during the daytime, when high temperatures are expected to be recorded, restricting public movement outdoors to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and children, who are more prone to sunstroke and heat-related illnesses.The decision by the VMC commissioner Dhyanachandra follows unrestricted movement of citizens, walkers and visitors in public places during daytime despite the mercury levels hovering above 45 degrees celsius and severe heatwave conditions prevailing in the city. Against this backdrop, the civic chief ordered the civic body officials to strictly restrict visitors and walkers at all major parks and grounds including Rajiv Gandhi Park, Raghavaiah Park, Dr BR Ambedkar Park, Dr KL Rao Park along with Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium (IGMC), Loyola College, NSM School and MB Stadium and other open grounds between 9 am to 5 pm. Authorities have been asked to create awareness among people, especially morning walkers, to avoid parks and playgrounds during peak heat hours. The civic body chief directed officials to implement the orders until May 26.The commissioner further directed officials to launch extensive awareness campaigns across the city through pamphlets, social media platforms, public announcement systems, electronic display boards, and WhatsApp groups to sensitise citizens on heatwave safety guidelines.To provide relief to residents, officials were instructed to ensure drinking water facilities, cooling shelters, temporary water kiosks, and shaded areas at key public locations including bus stations, markets, hospitals, schools, government offices, traffic junctions, and Anna Canteens. The commissioner also asked officials to deploy mist vehicles, installation of sprinklers in crowded areas, and creating temporary rest centres to provide relief to citizens.