Heat Action Plan: 70 traffic signals in Ahmedabad to remain close from 12 to 4 pm

With temperatures in Ahmedabad crossing 41°C since the beginning of March, authorities have implemented several measures under the city’s Heat Action Plan to provide relief to citizens.

To help motorists cope with the scorching heat, around 70 major traffic signals across the city will remain off between 12 noon and 4 pm. However, at busy intersections where traffic signals must remain operational due to heavy traffic, green shade nets will be installed at around 24 locations with the support of Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) and other organisations, protecting commuters from direct sunlight.

To ensure easy access to drinking water, the Health Department, in collaboration with social and religious organisations, has already set up around 350 water stations across the city, and the number is expected to increase to more than 1,000 in the coming days. Drinking water facilities have also been arranged at AMTS and BRTS bus stands.

As part of the heat-relief measures, all city gardens will now remain open from 6 am to 11 pm, allowing residents to spend time in cooler environments.

Authorities have also issued instructions for construction sites to halt work from 1 pm to 4 pm to protect workers from the intense heat during the afternoon. This rule will be strictly implemented, particularly during orange and red heatwave alerts.

In addition, the working hours of Anganwadi centres, schools, and sanitation workers have been changed so they are not directly exposed to extreme temperatures.

The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Health Department has appealed to citizens to take necessary precautions during the heatwave. People experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, or severe headaches have been advised to immediately contact the nearest Urban Health Centre (UHC) or government hospital. Residents have also been urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor travel and to drink plenty of water.

To strengthen healthcare preparedness, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) centres have been started at all UHCs and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in the city, and ORS packets have been arranged at all Anganwadi centres. Special arrangements have also been made to treat heat-related illnesses at Shardaben, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP), Lallubhai Gordhandas (LG), and Vadilal Sarabhai (VS) hospitals, as well as at CHC.

In addition, drinking water facilities have been arranged in all parks, BRTS stands, and AMTS depots, ensuring that citizens have access to hydration across the city during the extreme heat conditions.